The No. 1 Sign Of High-Functioning Depression People Often Miss

While it’s not an official medical diagnosis, high-functioning depression is more common than most people think. That’s because, as the name suggests, a person with high-functioning depression doesn’t fit the “typical” profile that may come to mind when we think of someone living with depression.

People with high-functioning depression don’t sleep all day, and their colleagues or family members might not suspect anything is wrong. Instead, “the struggles are often hidden behind success and productivity,” explained licensed psychologist Natasha Trujillo.

Someone with high-functioning depression will probably not have issues performing well at work or fulfilling responsibilities at home. They may even use these productive actions to cope. Often, someone with high-functioning depression might not even know they’re depressed at all.

So, what are the signs to look out for if you suspect you might be dealing with high-functioning depression? And what can you do about it? We asked mental health experts, and here’s what they had to say.

The top sign of high-functioning depression most people miss

Trujillo says the top high-functioning depression sign to look out for is that you don’t experience any sustained sense of joy or pleasure, despite good things happening.

“People with high-functioning depression remain productive, successful, and able to achieve,” she said. “And yet, the person may not be able to maintain a mood of pride, joy, or pleasure for long, or they may pick apart a compliment or achievement to somehow make it ‘less than’ or inadequate in some way, emphasizing that they may not be deserving or they just got lucky.”

Therapist Becca Reed agrees with this. “Someone with high-functioning depression might feel