Depression is often associated with a lack of energy or an inability to perform small tasks.
A new term that has entered the pop psychology zeitgeist paints an entirely different picture of depression. The hashtag “High-Functioning Depression”, which has been viewed more than 70 million times on TikTok, refers to people with mood disorders who still excel at work or school.
John T. Meyer, a psychotherapist in Cambridge, Mass., said that although “high functioning” is not clinically defined, the surge in interest in the term is due to people in high-paying jobs and They say this shows that people recognize that talented students are high-functioning. Still suffering.
“People are starting to say more openly that they have depression, but I also know that I'm expected to meet these high demands,” he says.
Here are two signs of high-functioning depression.
How you feel about your job often doesn't matter if you're meeting deadlines at work. But if you notice that you're feeling extra pessimistic at work, it could be a sign of depression, says Irina Gorelick, a psychologist at Williamsburg Therapy Group.
A negative view of oneself or the world are both signs of a mood disorder.
“Mood is a big factor,” she says. “You don't enjoy things as much or feel like you can experience those emotions as easily.”
Work that you consider optional, work that used to bring you joy, “is put on the back burner,” she says.
“I can't enjoy watching movies or seeing friends,” she says.
It is possible to have both of these symptoms and still get all your work done. This can lead others and yourself to believe that you are not struggling.
But just because the bills are paid doesn't mean your mental health is good.
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