Alexandria, LA – Oceans Healthcare is a local behavioral health facility that specializes in treating patients with a wide range of mental health conditions. Recently, the facility published an article that takes a look at the term high-functioning depression and explains why the term is often misleading and stigmatizing.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes people living with the condition to experience symptoms of intense sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that previously brought them joy. High-functioning depression isn’t a medical term. It’s a phrase used to describe people who function well despite their depressive symptoms.

“When people use the term ‘high-functioning’ to describe your experience with depression or another mental health condition, it implies that you don’t need much support. For example, if you don’t take medication or see a therapist, you might be considered high-functioning by others because you can manage your symptoms without those tools.

“Many people who function well do so to keep up appearances. The term "high-functioning" refers to how easily others can interact with you, not how easily you can maintain your own functioning. If you’re ‘high-functioning,’ you’re also likely to rely on unhealthy coping mechanisms to get through the day. Even if you’re doing alright on your own, your quality of life would improve if you received more support,” the article begins.

Common risk factors for depression include experiencing trauma such as abuse, neglect, or loss; other co-occurring mental health conditions; substance use (specifically depressants like opioids or alcohol); a familial history of depression; difficulty managing stress; and a low sense of self-worth. These risk factors do not indicate how well a person will be able to manage their symptoms if they do develop depression. However, it’s common for people to maintain coping mechanisms they learned in childhood.

The better a person is at masking or managing symptoms of their depression, the harder it is to identify them. Some common symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness. Others are decreased energy, changes in appetite or weight, digestive problems, aches and pains, fluctuation in sleep patterns, and difficulty with decision-making.

“Even if you have high-functioning depression, it’s still important to manage your symptoms. While these tools don’t replace professional treatment, they can be an excellent supplemental tool.

“Improve your physical health. Your physical health and mental health are closely related. When you’re dealing with depression, it’s difficult to remember to eat regularly. Eating three healthy meals a day will help you maintain energy throughout the day. Engaging in regular, gentle exercise can also significantly improve your mental health. Research indicates that walking, yoga, and strength training are among the most effective exercises for enhancing mental well-being.

“Organize your thoughts. If you’re living with depression, chances are that you ruminate on negative thoughts and feelings. Getting your thoughts out of your head will improve your mood. You may want to try keeping a journal to track changes in your mood and thoughts. You could also try confiding in a trusted friend. Expressing and discussing your feelings will help put things into perspective.

“Build healthy habits. You don’t have to change everything at once, but small habits can make a big difference in your mental health. For example, if you want to develop a bedtime routine, start brushing your teeth every night at the same time. The next week, put your phone out of reach at a certain time. Over time, you’ll get better at winding down for bed,” the article concludes.

Oceans Healthcare treats more than 34 thousand clients across 30 locations annually. A board-certified psychiatrist oversees all of their programs. They accept 24/7 referrals. To learn more about Oceans Healthcare, call (361) 371-8933.

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For more information about Oceans Behavioral Hospital Alexandria, contact the company here:

Oceans Behavioral Hospital Alexandria
Chase Brantley
(318) 448-8473
alexandriainfo@oceanshealthcare.com
2621 N Bolton Ave
Alexandria, LA 71303