In a special episode (originally aired on May 16) of The Excerpt podcast:
Numerous individuals have encountered depression in some form. Although the symptoms may dissipate, what if they persist? What if it becomes a part of daily life? With a label like ‘high-functioning’ attached to it, identifying it can be challenging. Hence, what exactly is high-functioning depression and how can those struggling with it be helped? Vale Wright, the senior director of Health Care Innovation at the American Psychological Association, joins The Excerpt to provide insight and answer these inquiries.To listen to the podcast and read along with the transcript, click the play button on the player provided below. The transcript has been generated automatically and has been edited for clarity. Please note that there may be slight variations between the audio and the written version.
Dana Taylor:
Welcome to The Excerpt, my name is Dana Taylor. When a disorder or condition is labeled as “high functioning”, it could indicate that it is challenging to diagnose. While many of us have some experience with depression, what if it persists and goes unnoticed? This is the case with high functioning depression, so what exactly is it and how can we help those who are affected? Vaile Wright, the Senior Director of Healthcare Innovation at the American Psychological Association, joins me to discuss and answer these questions. Thank you for being here, Vaile.
The name of the person is Vaile Wright.
I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this.
Dana Taylor:
To begin with, what exactly is meant by the term “high functioning depression”?
According to Vaile Wright:
The term “high functioning depression” is not recognized clinically, and it is crucial for individuals to be aware of this. This term gained popularity on social media to describe a specific manifestation of depression. This manifestation is characterized by individuals who appear to have their life together on the surface – they can maintain a job, have personal connections, and seem actively involved in life – but internally, they are struggling in a manner that is not visible to others.
Dana Taylor:
What sets high functioning depression apart from other types of depression?
The person being quoted is Vaile Wright.
This term does not necessarily imply a distinction from other forms of depression. Its potential advantage lies in aiding individuals to realize that depression is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Symptoms of depression can vary in intensity, ranging from mild to moderate. While some may experience feelings of sadness, others may not experience any at all. Therefore, there is no standard form of depression, as it challenges our preconceived notions about its appearance.
Dana Taylor
What are some additional conditions that may coexist with high functioning depression? Specifically, I am curious if anxiety is one of them.
Vaile Wright:
Certainly, there is a significant connection between anxiety and depression, in which they coexist and have similar indicators. This can make it challenging to distinguish between the two. Both conditions can lead to difficulty focusing, sleeping, and eating, and can negatively impact a person’s life as well as those around them in their homes, schools, and workplaces. Therefore, it affects everyone involved.
Dana Taylor:
What are some indications that a person may be dealing with this particular condition?
According to Vaile Wright:
When someone experiences a prolonged period of not feeling like themselves, it is common to feel sadness or a lack of interest in things that used to bring excitement. However, if this feeling persists and begins to disrupt daily life or causes concern from others who notice a change, it is important to recognize that there may be an underlying issue that requires assistance.
Dana Taylor:
What is the status on masking?
The author of this text is Vaile Wright.
The issue of mental health is still surrounded by a lot of negative perception, although it may be less prevalent now compared to a decade ago. The increased use of social media and influential figures sharing their own struggles with mental health has been a positive influence. However, there is still a pressure to always appear put together and even worse, to believe that one’s own sadness is not valid because others may have it worse. This mentality leads to isolation and only exacerbates the issue.
Dana Taylor:
What are some of the obstacles that individuals encounter when trying to recognize their depression and seeking assistance, besides Vaile?
Vaile Wright:
The notion that one can simply overcome their problems by sheer willpower and distracting themselves with enjoyable activities is not always the case. While some may experience temporary and mild depression that can be resolved through self-care, for others it is a chronic condition that may have periods of remission and relapse. This highlights the importance of understanding how to seek and access proper care, as well as recognizing and addressing systemic barriers within the healthcare system.
Dana Taylor:
Assisting individuals in need. What is the current medical approach being used? Additionally, is talk therapy a successful method of treatment in this case?
Vaile Wright:
Psychotherapy is a highly efficient method of treating various forms of depression, especially mild and moderate cases. While medication is also a commonly used approach, research has shown that seeking treatment early on leads to a more rapid recovery. Thus, it is crucial to recognize the signs and seek assistance from a professional to receive the most effective treatment in the long term. The type of treatment and its success may vary depending on personal preferences, opportunities, and the specific symptoms of an individual’s depression. This is why it is essential to work with a trained therapist to address the issue effectively.
Dana Taylor:
Are there any particular scientific developments currently being researched that should be monitored for their potential to treat depression?
The individual who goes by the name Vaile Wright:
The use of psychedelics and other innovative treatments has been a popular topic of discussion. However, it is too early to determine the full impact of these treatments as research is still ongoing. Another important aspect is the role of technology in reaching out to individuals, especially those who prefer to stay at home and use their phones. It is crucial to provide evidence-based and clinically validated treatments rather than just relying on apps from the app store, which may not effectively treat depression. Therefore, there is a need for innovative thinking to ensure that everyone receives the necessary treatment, as we cannot solely rely on individuals coming to clinical offices.
Dana Taylor:
What does a successful journey towards recovery entail in this scenario? Can you provide an example from a real-life situation without revealing any personal details?
According to Vaile Wright:
The treatment for depression varies depending on the underlying cause, as there are multiple factors that can contribute to its development. These may include psychological, environmental, or biological factors. However, receiving treatment from a trained behavioral health provider typically involves an initial intake and assessment, followed by a collaborative decision on the most appropriate course of treatment for the individual. This often includes weekly sessions for a period of six to eight weeks, during which the provider will monitor the individual’s progress and symptoms. Once the individual has reached a state of recovery, treatment can end, although it is normal to potentially require additional support in the future. This is a conversation that can be had with the provider.
[Dana Taylor]
For individuals, depression can lead to feelings of isolation. What is your advice for patients seeking support from those around them?
According to Vaile Wright:
It is important to remember that if you are feeling depressed, you are not alone. Every year, 17 million Americans go through a period of depression. Despite the stigma and fear surrounding reaching out for help, it can be extremely validating. It allows you to connect with someone who has gone through similar experiences and can truly understand where you are coming from. They may also be able to offer helpful coping techniques that have worked for them. Furthermore, having a social support system can greatly reduce stress levels. So, even though it may be difficult, it is important to reach out to others. And if you notice something concerning about a friend, take the initiative to reach out to them, as they may not have the energy to do so themselves.
Dana Taylor:
In your opinion, Vaile, what is the impact of high-functioning depression and the ongoing discussion about it on our society as a whole?
According to Vaile Wright:
Our health literacy, especially when it comes to mental health, is improving. This is due to the fact that we are becoming more aware of the different ways depression can present itself. We used to think that depression only looked like a woman crying and unable to function. However, we now know that there are other ways it can manifest. It’s important to recognize that different individuals may experience different symptoms and someone who appears to have everything together on the surface may be struggling internally. Therefore, it’s crucial to regularly check in with the people in our lives and ask how they are doing. This raises the important question of whether we are doing enough to reach out to others.
Dana Taylor:
Ultimately, what is the most important information to understand about individuals with high functioning depression, and how can we provide them with the best support?
According to Vaile Wright:
It is crucial to ensure that you do not unintentionally disregard their experience. It can be tempting to make unhelpful comments such as, “I don’t understand why you’re depressed when you have a job, a spouse, and wonderful children,” when someone appears to have their life together. However, this does not show compassion or understanding for what they are going through. Simply asking, “I would like to understand what you’re experiencing. I can see that you are in pain. Can we talk about it?” can open the door for a conversation. You do not have to solve their depression, but acknowledging that you are there for them and that you hear and see them is a crucial way to validate their experience.
Dana Taylor:
Thank you for being a part of The Excerpt Vaile and sharing this valuable information with us. It is greatly appreciated.
Vaile Wright:
I appreciate the invitation.
Dana Taylor:
We would like to express our gratitude to our experienced producers, Shannon Rae Green and Bradley Glanzrock, for their valuable assistance in the production process. Our executive producer, Laura Beatty, has also played a significant role in the making of this episode. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please feel free to send us a message at podcast@usatoday.com. Thank you for tuning in. I’m Dana Taylor, and tomorrow morning, Taylor Wilson will bring you another installment of The Excerpt.
