How to Know if You’re Experiencing High-Functioning Depression (Even If You’re ‘Doing Well’)

From the outside, you seem to have it all together. You meet deadlines, take care of responsibilities, and maybe even support others emotionally. But on the inside, something feels off. You’re constantly tired, joy feels out of reach, and there’s a quiet sadness that lingers—one you’ve become good at hiding. If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with high-functioning depression.

What Is High-Functioning Depression?

High-functioning depression isn’t a clinical term, but it’s often used to describe those living with Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia—a chronic form of depression with symptoms that are less severe than major depression, but longer-lasting.

What makes it "high-functioning" is that people often continue to meet societal expectations: showing up to work, parenting, socializing—while battling inner heaviness. Because outward productivity remains intact, it’s often overlooked or dismissed—even by those experiencing it.

Signs of High-Functioning Depression

While it may look different for everyone, some common signs include:

Low energy or chronic fatigue, despite adequate sleep
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
Negative self-talk or persistent self-criticism
Feeling like you’re “going through the motions”
Overworking or staying excessively busy to avoid feelings

Irritability, moodiness, or frequent emotional exhaustion
Difficulty with motivation, especially for personal goals
Feeling disconnected or numb, even around loved ones
Struggling to celebrate your own accomplishments

People with high-functioning depression often dismiss these symptoms because they’re still managing life. But surviving is not the same as thriving.

Why It Often Goes Unnoticed—Especially in BIWOC Communities

In Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIWOC) communities, high-functioning depression is even more likely to fly under the radar. Here’s why:

Cultural expectations around strength and resilience can make it hard to name or prioritize emotional pain.
Generational messages like “keep pushing” or “don’t air your dirty laundry” can reinforce silence.
Mental health symptoms might be minimized or spiritualized rather than treated clinically.
Systemic stressors (racism, sexism, financial inequity) contribute to chronic stress—making depression harder to separate from daily survival.
There is often stigma around seeking therapy, particularly when therapists don’t reflect your cultural or lived experience.

The result? Many BIWOC learn to normalize pain, downplay their emotional needs, and delay seeking help—sometimes until a crisis forces it.

How to Seek Support

You don’t need to hit rock bottom to deserve support. Here are some steps you can take:

Validate your feelings – Just because you’re “doing well” doesn’t mean you’re emotionally well. Your struggle is real and valid.
Name it – Journaling, talking with a trusted friend, or using terms like “burnout,” “overwhelm,” or “numbness” can help articulate what you’re feeling.
Reach out for professional help – Consider a therapist, especially someone who practices culturally competent care or specializes in BIWOC mental health.

Look into low-cost therapy – Many community organizations offer sliding-scale services, and telehealth has made therapy more accessible than ever.
Prioritize rest and joy – These are not luxuries—they’re essential. Incorporate small rituals that nourish your body and spirit.
Find community – Peer-led support groups, faith-based gatherings, or BIWOC wellness spaces can offer solidarity and healing.

You Deserve to Be More Than “Fine”

High-functioning depression can feel like a silent battle, especially when you're used to being the strong one. But healing starts when we get honest—with ourselves and others.

You don’t need to carry your pain alone. You deserve support, care, and rest—just as you are. Here at Wellness Tree Counseling, we are dedicated to providing services to support and empower you through embracing your journey with self, openly and confidently. Contact us today to book your intake screening call.

About Wellness Tree Counseling...

Our mission at Wellness Tree Counseling is to promote wellness through a culturally sensitive lens so that individuals, families and communities are encouraged to rise to their full potential and engage life in meaningful ways.

Our vision is to provide the BIPOC community with comprehensive holistic care that empowers and equips them with skills to work toward improved mental health and well-being. We take great pride in treating the whole-person.

At Wellness Tree Counseling, we value treating our clients and community with C.A.R.E. (Compassion, Affirming, Respect, & Empathy).

To learn more about our services, please visit www.wellnesstreecounseling.com