High-functioning depression, also known as 'masked depression', is a condition where individuals continue to meet their obligations at work and at home while struggling with a reduced ability to feel joy, pleasure or interest in things that once brought those feelings. According to mental health experts, this condition often goes unnoticed, even by the individuals experiencing it. Dr. Judith Joseph, a psychiatrist, describes it as "the silent sister" of depression.
A recent study published in the journal Cureus found that individuals with high-functioning depression have increased levels of anhedonia, a condition characterized by a reduced ability to feel pleasure. The study, which interviewed adults using a set of questionnaires designed to assess high-functioning depression, trauma and anhedonia, supported the researchers' hypothesis that people with high-functioning depression have higher levels of anhedonia and trauma.
Experts say that high-functioning depression is not an official diagnosis in the DSM-5, the manual clinicians use to diagnose mental health conditions. This lack of recognition can make it difficult for individuals to seek treatment, as they may not recognize their symptoms or may not be taken seriously. Dr. Joseph notes that this condition is common in professions that discourage vulnerability, such as medicine.
In Zimbabwe, mental health experts are working to raise awareness about high-functioning depression and anhedonia. According to Dr. Joseph, the condition can be detected through a self-assessment quiz based on the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale, a measure of the capacity to feel pleasure. The quiz asks about everyday experiences, such as whether one has trouble enjoying praise or savoring small pleasures.
Dr. Joseph has developed a framework called the Five V's to help individuals overcome high-functioning depression: Validation, Venting, Values, Vision, and Vitals. This framework emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, expressing emotions, making time for what matters most, having something to look forward to, and caring for one's whole self.
Mental health experts in Zimbabwe are urging individuals to prioritize their mental health and seek help if they are experiencing symptoms of high-functioning depression. According to Dr. Joseph, it is essential to focus on anhedonia, the loss of sense of joy, rather than just treating the symptoms of depression.
If you or someone you know is struggling with high-functioning depression or anhedonia, it is essential to seek help from a mental health professional. In Zimbabwe, individuals can reach out to mental health organizations or support groups for guidance and support. By raising awareness and promoting education about high-functioning depression, experts hope to help individuals overcome this condition and reclaim their joy.
Key points
- High-functioning depression is a condition where individuals appear to be functioning normally while quietly losing the ability to feel pleasure.
- A self-assessment quiz can help detect anhedonia, a condition characterized by a reduced ability to feel pleasure.
- The Five V's framework can help individuals overcome high-functioning depression by prioritizing mental health and well-being.
