high-functioning depression in high-achievers deserves our attention
high-functioning depression (HFD) is common among high-achieving professionals and it’s a risk factor for major depressive disorder.
HFD is different from burnout.
HFD does not usually cause obvious impairments to a person’s work, relationships or health - until clinical depression or burnout develops. HFD is not a mental health diagnosis but exists in social and cultural discourse and is gaining more attention in psychiatry.
people with HFD usually perform well, appear well-adjusted and emotionally stable while secretly enduring low mood, fatigue, irritability and emotional detachment. medical professionals are particularly at risk of HFD and previous trauma is another risk. to receive a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, one must have an impairment in a major life domain including work, school or relationships.
in my work, I notice HFD in high-achievers develops unconsciously. it develops as an unconscious attempt to deal with sadness, overwhelm, unprocessed trauma and existential challenges (lack of meaning, fears of death, unresolved grief, etc).
hfd is a collective experience advanced by western cultural norms and traditions. radical individualism (e.g., “pick yourself up by your bootstraps”) prioritizes achievement over mental/ emotional wellness. In some work settings, coaching and therapy are still seen as taboo and a sign of weakness. work settings normalize high functioning depression and overlook risky behaviors such as substance abuse or dependence, poor work life balance, and political behaviors which perpetuate negativity. harassment, job insecurity and lack of training also contribute to poor mental health.
in my professional experience, HFD in high achievers is common and underestimated. traditional corporate culture perpetuates HFD through standing traditions. for over a decade, i’ve worked with clients overcoming workplace trauma.
it’s why I’ve grown passionate about helping leaders and staff in corporate settings. in certain workplaces, performance is valued above well-being and people feel unsupported, under resourced, isolated and they take this pain home. leaders may or may not have adequate support. decision fatigue, office politics, team dynamics and poor conflict management all contribute to HFD.
eventually, hopelessness and fatigue catches up. it morphs into a greater sadness and apathy toward things that were once interesting.
despite how successful a person is, undealt with, it can manifest into a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and serious impairments at work, home and in ones community. in extreme cases and without professional support, major depressive disorder can lead to suicidal behaviors and attempts.
prompts:
what’s behind your desire for success? does it come from a place of empowerment or disempowerment?
what are your attitudes towards your emotions?
how do you process your feelings and ground?
