Construction workers face one of the highest suicide rates of any industry in North America. High-functioning depression is something to look out for in workers across all roles in the industry. Here’s what it is, why it goes unnoticed, and what to look out for, including constant fatigue, overworking, and physical symptoms like headaches, muscle pain, and digestive issues.
Quick look
- While not a formal diagnosis, high-functioning depression has similar symptoms to depressive disorder.
- High-functioning depression often goes unnoticed because they don’t recognize it in themselves or “appear” depressed.
- Symptoms of high-functioning depression include constant fatigue, overworking, and difficulty sleeping.
- If symptoms persist more than two weeks, it’s a good time to look into mental health resources or see a medical professional.
What is high-functioning depression?
While it isn’t a formal medical diagnosis, high-functioning depression can be helpful to pinpoint for those with depressive symptoms who manage to keep a routine, seemingly stable life. A worker with high-functioning depression might have similar symptoms as someone with major depressive disorder or clinical depression, including:
- Feeling helpless, hopeless, and sad
- Changes in eating habits
- Becoming disinterested in things that previously made them happy
- Lack of concentration
- Lack of sleep or too much sleeping
High-functioning depression could look slightly different for everyone. If you notice a usually happy colleague eating less, becoming easily distracted, or feeling disinterested in what they used to enjoy, they might need help managing their high-functioning depression.
Why high-functioning depression often goes unnoticed
It’s unlikely that you can identify the colleagues on site who deal with high-functioning depression just by looking at them. Even if you work with them closely, you still might not pick it up. Here’s why high-functioning depression often goes unnoticed:
- They don’t even recognize it in themselves: If a low mood persists in someone for years, it might feel like their normal. They may feel like they’re not working hard enough, or it’s just “how they are,” going years or decades without a diagnosis or treatment.
- They don’t appear to be depressed: Many people associate clinical depression with isolation, audible crying, outbursts, and the refusal to work or function. Those with high-functioning depression may seem like themselves. They could be joyful or motivated, and could be hiding behind a mask of success or humour.
- Self-pressure or cultural expectations: People pleasing, high-achieving behaviour, or perfectionism might mask signs of mental disorders. When someone feels they have to keep up relationships or work performance, or risk ruining their lives, they might be burying their true feelings from themselves and others.
7 common high-functioning depression symptoms
1. Constant fatigue and low energy
Even if you get your 8 hours of sleep, you might feel sluggish and drained throughout the workday. It’s not simple sleepiness—it’s a deep, relentless exhaustion that makes the most routine tasks more effortful than they once were.
2. Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
Happy hours, hobbies, creative projects, and anything else that used to bring joy may no longer. These with high-functioning depression might still do them out of routine, but the pleasure they get from them or the motivation to engage with them has dimmed.
3. Overworking or staying “too busy”
Busyness is a common coping mechanism for those with high-functioning depression. It’s harder to confront challenging emotions if they feel too busy or have to stay productive. They may look like one of the best workers, but they might be masking burnout or feelings of emptiness.
4. Self-criticism and perfectionism
Those with high-functioning depression may also hold themselves to unrealistically high standards. People fixate and overthink about their mistakes or flaws, being overcome by self-judgement and inadequacy, even when others label them as successful or accomplished.
5. Feeling detached or emotionally flat
Instead of long bouts of crying or intense sadness, you may feel a persistent numbness or disassociation from yourself and others. Those with high-functioning depression may feel like they’re just “going through the motions” instead of engaging with life.
6. Physical symptoms with no clear cause
Like clinical depression, high-functioning depression can manifest in the body as digestive issues, headaches, muscle and joint pains, and other unexplained discomfort. These physical symptoms persist even after common medical causes have been ruled out.
7. Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
Sometimes it’s natural for sleeping patterns to shift due to life’s circumstances. But those who can’t fall asleep, wake up frequently, or can’t escape sleep fatigue after waking up might be experiencing high-functioning depression. Drastic changes in patterns contribute to chronic fatigue and other depressive symptoms.
What to do if you recognize these signs
A therapy session taking place. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
If you or someone you know shows mental health symptoms of high-functioning depression, the first step is to talk to a professional. It could be therapy, primary care, or counseling you’re after. They can recommend simple talk therapy, medication, or psychotherapy or more invasive treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Opening up to someone you trust is important, and you can start with slow symptom management like exercise, having a balanced diet, journaling, and maintaining a routine. Make an effort to stay socially connected to people in your life, and avoid drug use and excessive alcohol.
When to seek professional help
It’s never too early to seek help if you’re experiencing symptoms of depression. If your low mood, disruptive sleep, or feelings of detachment last for more than two weeks, it’s worth it to look into mental health resources through work or your local area, and contact a doctor or therapist.
Final thoughts
High-functioning depression is common in the construction industry, but it’s also treatable. All it takes is awareness, and that starts with looking out for symptoms like fatigue, overworking, and self-criticism. Even if things look routine or fine from the outside, it’s always a good idea to talk to a professional and get help. Your life is worth it.
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