SHARES
Amy is one tough lady with a string of achievements to be envious of. After graduating from one of the world’s most prestigious university, she was immediately hired by a multinational company. Recently, she was awarded as the top performer in her team. Despite being a high-achiever at work, Amy cannot help but feel like she is slowly dying inside.
For the past two years, she had been suffering from low mood, sadness and hopelessness. She finds it difficult to appreciate simple pleasures in life. Although she aced at her workplace, she is a wreck at home, always finding herself too tired for house chores and social gatherings. After confiding in a family friend, she consulted a psychiatrist to evaluate for high-functioning depression.
What is high-functioning depression?
High-functioning depression is officially known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD) or dysthymia. Most individuals with PDD can function normally, without others knowing that they are suffering inside. For instance, these people can still perform well in school or work, household responsibilities and social engagements. This unfortunately, often allow PDD to go unnoticed or dismissed.
Generally, PDD can appear similar to major depressive disorder (MDD), with less severe symptoms. The first criterion for diagnosis of PDD is – a constant depressed mood for most days for at least two years. The depressed mood must also be present with two or more of these symptoms:
- Overeating or lack of appetite
- Oversleeping or insomnia
- Always feeling tired
- Lower self-esteem
- Trouble concentrating and making decision
- Feeling sad and hopeless
Living with Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
This condition is chronic and can last for many years. Do not suffer in silence as you can help yourself feel better. For starters, talk to your doctor about how you are feeling, and get treatment.
Find time to do things that helps you feel good or achieve satisfaction:
- Exercise regularly (30-minute per session, 4-6 times/week) to improve your mood
- Eat balanced and healthy meals
- Take up gardening
- Do something nice for someone
- Attend concert, game, social functions or any uplifting events
- Go on holiday breaks
- Stop drug abuse and avoid alcohol, they make your depression worse
What are the differences between high-functioning depression and major depressive disorder?
PDD has many similarities to MDD, as both are related to depressed mood. In fact, most individuals with PDD are bound to have at least one MDD bouts in life. However, there are striking differences in duration and severity. PDD persists for at least two years; meanwhile, MDD occurs in shorter episodes that lasts at least two weeks.
Furthermore, depressive symptoms are usually more severe in MDD. Someone with PDD suffering from MDD episode would exhibit an obvious decline in normal functioning. For example, they may find it more difficult to perform at school or work. In addition, they may become more socially withdrawn or show lack of interest in activities normally enjoyed. Some may also compromise self-care or personal hygiene. Besides that, MDD episodes may intensify feelings of guilt, sadness or suicidal thoughts.
On the other hand, PDD is a chronic condition where depressive symptoms are milder. However in spite of being able to function normally, PDD causes you to feel low, sad and down most days and making you find it almost impossible to enjoy life.
Bottom line
PDD is a condition that involves constant low mood and impairment of normal functioning. Regardless, everyone deserves to enjoy life. It is possible to overcome depression symptoms with proper diagnosis and treatment. If you or your loved ones may be affected, consult a doctor immediately.
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by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
