What is high-functioning depression and why it’s dangerous to ignore

In films, depression is often shown as a dramatic breakdown: someone who doesn’t get out of bed for days, with endless tears and a sad soundtrack playing in the background. In reality, it is usually far quieter. There is no melancholic music, no camera lingering on tired eyes.

Sometimes depression wears the disguise of routine. You get up in the morning, get dressed, go to work, answer questions with a “polite smile” — while inside, everything feels faded. The colors that once seemed vibrant — satisfaction at work, joy from seeing friends, excitement over a favorite activity — turn pale. It is not dramatic sadness, but absence: absence of energy, of interest, of pleasure.

Everyone experiences days or weeks when their mood sinks. In those periods, emotions rise and fall, often shifting with circumstances. Clinical depression, however, is different: the state stays steady — steadily down. It is not “just a bad mood” that passes on its own, but a complex and significant mental condition that can seep into daily life almost unnoticed. For some, it develops gradually, through constant fatigue, loss of interest in once-enjoyable activities or heaviness in the mornings that makes even simple tasks difficult. For others, it strikes suddenly, triggered by crisis or loss, leaving behind emptiness and hopelessness.

Professionally, depression is defined as a mood disorder marked by a persistent decline in mood and ability to feel pleasure, lasting most of the day for at least two weeks. Diagnosis requires several additional symptoms, which may include low energy, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, poor concentration, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and in some cases thoughts of death.

It is important to stress: not every low mood is depression. But when symptoms persist and interfere with functioning, professional evaluation is necessary. Depression can affect anyone, at any age — even those who outwardly appear “strong” or “successful.” Recognizing that it is a medical and psychological condition, not a “weakness” or a flaw in character, is the first step toward treatment and recovery.

Not all depression looks like the photos in psychology textbooks or the dramatic scenes in films. Sometimes it slips in quietly, almost camouflaged, coexisting with an outwardly active routine. Some people manage to get up in the morning, go to work, hold conversations and maintain a “normal” appearance — yet beneath the surface, every action feels like running through water: exhausting, joyless, devoid of meaning.

Clinically, this condition is known as “high-functioning depression.” The emotional symptoms do not completely disable a person’s ability to function, but they cause prolonged inner suffering. Such depression doesn’t always shout, “I’m here.” Sometimes it whispers so softly it can be mistaken for fatigue, job stress or simply “a rough patch.” It may show up as new irritability, difficulty concentrating, unexplained fatigue or a loss of interest in once-enjoyable activities. At times it seeps in through subtle changes to daily habits — sleeping too much or too little, appetite vanishing or surging — without anyone, including the individual, linking them to an emotional state.

With depression, time is critical. The longer it continues untreated, the deeper it can sink, affecting more areas of life and leading to harsher emotional and physical strain. Early intervention can shorten recovery, ease symptoms and prevent escalation into severe depression or accompanying anxiety. Just as one would not ignore ongoing physical pain in the hope it disappears, mental pain should not be dismissed.

Yarden Gabay Photo: Ben Yitzhaki

If you suspect you or someone close may be suffering from depression, it is important not to face it alone. A first step can be an honest conversation with a family doctor or psychologist, who can provide an initial assessment and recommend treatment. Options may include psychotherapy, medication or a combination, depending on severity and personal needs. Professional care is the foundation, but studies show small lifestyle changes can support recovery and improve quality of life: moderate exercise, exposure to daylight, relaxation practices and mindfulness are among the steps that can help.

At the same time, sharing with a trusted person can provide an emotional support network that eases the burden. If it is someone else, avoid vague reassurances like “it will be fine.” Instead, listen without judgment and ask open questions such as, “How have you really been feeling lately?” Sometimes, genuine listening is already the first bridge to help.

It is important to remember: high-functioning depression may be elusive, but early treatment can prevent serious worsening. Ignoring the signs or trying to “tough it out” can deepen the condition, while seeking help is not weakness but a brave, life-saving step. Even if the colors seem faded now, they are not lost — they are simply waiting for someone to turn the light back on.