You May Have High Functioning Depression If…

We have seen the headlines: “Woman dies by jumping from her NYC Apartment Building” and immediately tense up. It’s devastating to think that for many this is a real option. 

That death has become more possible for them than creating a life they love. 

Surprisingly, they are not alone in this belief. You may be reading this email and thinking, “Shit, I’ve been there too”. 

Life was or still may be a similar struggle in which it’s difficult to keep going some days. 

However, you do. You have taken on this strong exterior which allows you to get many things done although you struggle internally. 

You have overworked and filled your calendar to capacity and always feels like you do not have enough time. 
You have said to yourself many times that you are simply “exhausted”. Yet kept going. 

On some days you notice that you may feel trapped, frustrated, excessively worrying over the smallest things. 

Well my friend, these symptoms, these experiences, are commonly known and explained in the field of psychology as “persistent depressive disorder (PDD)” or dysthymia.

The major difference between women like you who struggle with major depression disorder and PDD-high functioning depression, is that high functioning depression allows you to continue to live your life and perform tasks as usual or in some cases, exceptionally well. 

It lessens the likelihood that those around you will notice you are struggling or having a problem. 

My hope in sending this was to not scare you but inform you. 

To bring some clarity to what if not addressed, could grow into a larger problem. 

You may be reading this and realize this is not you, but a friend you know. 

That is okay too, if it’s a friend. Consider how you can support that friend or have them consider their area of struggle. You can nudge them to talk to you and offer a listening ear. If you are really concerned, you may provide the link to www.therapyforblackgirls.com so they can find a licensed mental health professional to speak to. 

If it’s you who relates with this message, you have options too. You can seek support from loved ones, you can get real about the concerns you have and what you need to change. You can decide to believe in possibility instead of doubt. If you feel an intense struggle to get anything done, check out www.therapyforblackgirls.com and find a therapist in your area. 

If you find that you are high functioning and not having persistent depressive symptoms but just feeling overwhelmed and stuck, then I can help you. 

I can help you rid yourself and life of overwhelm, overthinking, and not making decisions to create a life of joy, balance, and fulfillment you desire. 

It’s possible for you. It’s possible for your friends too. I am here to support and encourage you to take the first step to getting the support you need.  

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or you can reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HELLO to 741741. Both are free, confidential, and available 24/7.