Is Functional Depression real?

Many of you in today's world would have heard of functional depression and some of you would have even thought it to be yet another Millennial/Gen Z problem. We are in an era of awareness regarding mental health (thanks to numerous doctors, psychologists, and victim-turned mental health advocates for their persistent efforts) and how it can affect one's functional (social and emotional) aspect of life. However, we often use the word Depression like an everyday casual term (some too casual to describe even a micro mood swing) or have the image of a sad aloof human drowned in tears or staring at the sky. But Depression is a psychological illness which affects one's mental health deeper and should be handled cautiously by understanding the layers of emotional affections that led to the condition.

Depression is of various types, of which functional or high functioning depression is a type of persistent depressive disorder, also similar to Dysthymia. Unlike major Depression, people suffering from functional depression can maintain their daily routine without feeling any disruption or discomfort in their everyday roles and responsibilities, however, with significant emotional struggles. This condition can be so subtle yet deep that even those who are suffering from it, can go on with their life without realizing their need for professional medical help.

In today's fast-paced world, functional depression has been reported to be of high prevalence among the young and middle-aged population in major countries of the world, including India. Understanding functional depression is crucial because of the subtlety of the condition that can easily lead to pervasive negative thoughts and social isolation, causing unfortunate circumstances.

WHAT CAUSES FUNCTIONAL DEPRESSION?

Functional Depression can be caused by - biological factors like a chemical imbalance in the brain or family history of depression. Traumatic life experiences like loss of loved ones or chronic health conditions can also trigger the condition. Individuals with certain personality traits like perfectionism or low self-esteem or unhealthy coping mechanisms in the form of substance abuse or suppression of emotions can lead to Functional Depression.

Functional Depression often challenge one's personal relationships, impact their professional performance and make them neglect self-care. Once you or someone you know is found to experience such similar symptom picture, it is time to seek professional help.

After all, earlier the intervention, better the prognosis and outcome!

HOW HOMOEOPATHY CAN HELP WITH FUNCTIONAL DEPRESSION?

Homoeopathy system offers treatment as a whole where your physical, mental and emotional health is assessed and framed as your symptom picture. Each of our medicine refer to a constitutional medicine personality of a human who, after derangement due to some causative factor, develops illness! A renowned and experienced Homoeopath offers counselling and individualised medications that help you manage and recover from the condition. Thus, it is essential to understand our body, our physical health and particularly our mental health to seek timely help and care.

Could You Be Experiencing Functional Depression? Take This Quick Test 

https://form.typeform.com/to/KRB1lxNA

If this test resonates with you, here’s what you can do:

- **Reflect:** Journal your thoughts or track your mood for a week. Notice patterns.

- **Reach out:** Tell a friend, “Hey, I’ve been feeling off lately.” You’d be surprised how many can relate.

- **Seek support:** A therapist or counselor can help you unpack what’s going on and lighten that invisible load.

You don’t have to be at rock bottom to deserve care. Functional depression might mean you’re a pro at keeping it together—but you’re still human, and it’s okay to ask for a hand.

What did you think of this test? Let us know in the comments below or share your score (if you’re comfortable!)