Have you ever felt like no one truly knows how you feel? On the outside, you may appear fine, but on the inside, you’re unhappy. You find the right smile for social occasions while you’re sad. You appear upbeat, but you’re truly tired. You might be experiencing high-functioning depression. Also known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD), this form of depression is defined by people experiencing less impactful signs of depression. If you believe that you are experiencing PDD, reach out to our depression treatment center in greater Boston for help.
Symptoms of High-Functioning Depression
For a person to be diagnosed with high-functioning depression, they must experience a depressed mood for most of the day for at least two years. The depressive state must be marked by two or more of these signs:
- Hopeless
- Lack of concentration
- Overeating or decreased appetite
- Oversleeping
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Low self-esteem
- Sadness
These signs of depression will typically cause a person to experience an inability to function normally in an area of their lives.
The Most Common Types of Depression
In addition to high-functioning depression, there are other types of depression. Each needs to be treated in a specific manner, such as through medication, therapy, and mindset shifts. These include:
- Major depression – A person feels depressed most of the time. Their mental state is marked by a lack of interest in daily activities, weight loss/gain, insomnia or sleepiness, restlessness, lacking energy, unable to concentrate, and suicidal thoughts.
- Bipolar disorder – Also known as manic depression, people will experience extreme moods ranging from high to very low. For people diagnosed with bipolar disorder, medication often helps in stabilizing mood swings.
- Seasonal affective disorder – During the winter months, as we get less sunlight, some people—especially adolescents, can experience SAD. Although it can be treated with antidepressants and light therapy, it will often go away during the spring and summer months.
- Psychotic depression – Along with having all of the signs and symptoms of major depression, a person will also experience seeing or hearing things that are not truly present and become delusional or paranoid. People are often treated with antipsychotics or antidepressants.
- Postpartum depression – Women experiencing major depression after childbirth possess postpartum depression. Also known as peripartum depression, it is not uncommon for antidepressants to be prescribed.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) – At the start of a menstrual cycle, women with this type of depression will experience mood swings, irritability, lack of concentration, anxiety, sleepiness, overwhelm, and a change in eating habits.
- Situational depression – If you have a troublesome event in your life, such as losing your job, ending a relationship, or the death of a close one, you can be experiencing stress response syndrome. Therapy is often the remedy for situational depression.
No matter the type of depression you have, seeking professional help is essential.
Find Effective Mental Health Treatment at Greater Boston Behavioral Health
There’s nothing wrong with admitting that you are depressed. Once you’ve recognized that you need help, it is time to reach out to seasoned professionals who can support you in managing your mental health disorder.
At Greater Boston Behavioral Health, we provide psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, to help our clients recognize and understand their thoughts and feelings, behaviors, and relationships. Every individual in our care receives a personalized treatment plan to help them reach their goals.
If you are ready to find positive ways of managing your depression, Greater Boston Behavioral Health is here to help. Our psychotherapy and other therapeutic services will support you in shifting your mindset so that you can reflect on your decisions and improve your life. Contact us at 888.365.6392 or reach out online today.
