Dr Neetu Johnson shared a video on social media revealing the five most common signs of the mental health condition – and it’s helped some people identify it in themselves
Depression is often associated with individuals who find it difficult to get out of bed, maintain personal hygiene, or sustain employment. However, not all mental health battles are the same.
Some people grapple with ‘high-functioning depression’, which allows them to live their lives like anyone else, despite a constant undercurrent of sadness that leaves them feeling emotionally drained and lacking motivation. This can make it challenging to identify.
Consultant Psychiatrist Doctor Neetu Johnson took to social media to highlight the most common signs of this mental health condition, helping some people recognise these symptoms in themselves.
In her video, which has amassed more than 29,000 views, she outlined: “Here are five signs of high-functioning depression. FYI is not a clinical diagnosis, but it might show that your mental health is declining.
- “Most days are a struggle. You really struggle with motivation. You feel totally empty inside.
- “You don’t like social events any more. You don’t like talking to people you don’t like mingling with anybody, and you find them really hard and taxing.
- “You find no pleasure in anything that you do any more. This is a concept called anhedonia.
- “Bad habits have started to creep in. You’re no longer fancying exercise any more. You’re eating junk food. You’re always on social media as a way to distract yourself.
- “When no one is looking, this is when the self-neglect really kicks in. This could be accompanied by some thoughts as to ‘why am I here? What’s it all about?’.”
TikTok users immediately took to the comments claiming to identify with some of the signs. One user said: “That’s where I’m at now,” while another commented: “Guilty as charged.”
A third wrote: “I had this year’s truth don’t eat every day go days not eating but ave all other symptoms.” Someone else added: “I was like this but I’m getting there now. It is temporary, keep pushing and stay positive.”
If you believe you have a chronic mental health issue, you should speak to your GP. For in-the-moment emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
