When it comes to "high-functioning depression", there's often a very big difference between what people see and what is actually happening. And, in this blog post, we'd like to outline some of these discrepancies.
"High-Functioning Depression": What People See VS What Is Actually Happening
What people see is someone with "high-functioning depression" joking and smiling. However, what's often actually happening is that that person is having difficulty accepting and expressing painful emotions.
What people see is someone with "high-functioning depression" caring for others. However, what's often actually happening is that that person is feeling undeserving of the same love themselves.
What people see is someone with "high-functioning depression" being a high-achiever. However, what's often actually happening is that that person feels like they're an "imposter", and that they aren't deserving of the success they're having.
What people see is someone with "high-functioning depression" being constantly busy. However, what's often actually happening is that that person is really struggling to be alone with their thoughts.
What people see is someone with "high-functioning depression" appearing unshakeable during difficult times. However, what's often actually happening is that that person feels numb and apathetic to the eventual outcome.
What people see is someone with "high-functioning depression" working long hours. However, what's often actually happening is that that person is distracting themselves from their suffering.
Key Takeaway: A person's "outer world" does not always resemble their "inner world" - particularly when they're struggling with "high-functioning depression".
All our love,
The Depression Project Team.