Even the most accomplished people can suffer deep inside from feelings of loneliness and unbearable sadness, a condition commonly known as high-functioning depression.
High-functioning depression is not a clinical diagnosis. National Alliance on Mental Illness We recognize the term as describing “someone who is dealing with mental health issues whilst carrying out their day-to-day job and responsibilities.”
Symptoms of high-functioning depression can manifest differently than the more severe signs of major depression, such as changes in eating habits, sleep problems, fatigue and feelings of hopelessness, says April Simpkins, mother of the former Miss USA pageant winner. Chesley Crist.
Follow Her Daughter’s death Simpkins, who turns 30 in 2022, revealed that Chesley had struggled with depression for years, even though she was a lawyer, had won a beauty pageant and secured a position as a correspondent on the TV show Extra. Simpkins is not a clinician or therapist, but she began working as an ambassador for NAMI.
“For someone like Chesley, [it’s] “It’s normal to go into states of sadness and loneliness, and that’s what some of the things I noticed, especially with Chesley,” Simpkins told CNBC Make It.
“I think what I noticed most was that she just thought the incredible things that she was doing were just OK. I didn’t see her being ecstatic. Not every time, but most of the time, when I was like, ‘Wow, that’s amazing. Beautiful. You did a great job,’ she just saw it as just OK.”
We listened to the story Chase CassineWe asked licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist, for his advice on managing the symptoms of high-functioning depression. Here’s what he says:
6 Tips for Managing Symptoms of High-Functioning Depression
- Have a support system available. “People with high-functioning depression tell you they’re alone in the world, but that’s not true, so make sure they have a support system,” Cassine says.
- Take a break from your routine and do something outside of the house. It could be something as simple as a quick stop at Target or as epic as going on vacation.
- Write down your feelings in a journal
- Create a safe space: Nurture relationships with people you feel comfortable sharing your feelings with, whether that be friends or a therapist.
- Practice yoga and mindfulness: “If you’re feeling really busy and overwhelmed and constantly thinking about what to do next, practice mindfulness,” he says. “Mindfulness is about being in the moment, being aware of what you’re feeling, [realize] Emotions are temporary and short-lived, and we can acknowledge what we are feeling and release it.”
- Seek professional help: “If your grief continues for a long time and starts to interfere with your ability to work or function, it’s a sign to seek additional professional support. Speak to a medical professional first to rule out any possibilities. [medical] thing, [and] Consider cognitive behavioral therapy.”
Cassine also has advice for those who suspect a loved one may be suffering from high-functioning depression, suggesting buying them a meal or asking them to join you when you run errands.
“I ask all of us to act with compassion and awareness, first and foremost, to our friends, our families, our villages, our communities. All of usWe all experience different stressors, different adversities, and different things that can affect us all differently,” Cassine said.
“What we all want as humans is [are] These three things: We want to feel seen and heard. [and] I treasure it.”
One of Christo’s final wishes was for the manuscript his mother was working on to be published.”By the time you read this” was published in April of this year.
“She was my best friend, my daughter, my person, and if she leaves me any wishes, anything she wants me to do that she can’t do for herself, I’ll do everything in my power to make sure it happens,” Simpkins said.
“I would literally move heaven and earth.”
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