MAY 30 • 2024 | 39
J
N

because individuals experi-
encing it often appear to be 
coping well on the surface. 
Despite appearing to func-
tion well on the outside, 
high-functioning depression 
can still have a significant 
impact on a person’s quality 
of life. This can eventually 
affect relationships, work 
performance and overall 
sense of wellbeing. 
Being aware of less 
obvious signs of depression 
may help to identify 
someone who is struggling 
and to help them to seek 
treatment or support. These 
more subtle signs may 
include physical or somatic 
symptoms like headaches, 
stomachaches, weight 
changes, appetite changes. 
Other signs that may be 
seen are irritability/feeling 
easily annoyed, increased 
sensitivity, changes in 
concentration, fatigue or 
lacking energy, or difficulty 
with sleep. Individuals may 
also be less likely to want to 
participate in activities they 
once enjoyed. 
People with high-
functioning depression often 
will set higher expectations 
for themselves, strive for 
perfection, and may become 
overly self-critical when 
they feel they are falling 
short. This can contribute 
to feelings of stress, anxiety 
and feelings of inadequacy. 
Negative self-talk and lower 
self-esteem may also be seen. 
Treatment for any type of 
depressive disorder usually 
includes therapy and, in 
some cases, medication, 
as well as several other 
available tools and 
modalities. 
The types of therapy may 
include approaches such as 

cognitive behavioral therapy, 
interpersonal therapy, 
psychodynamic therapy and 
supportive therapy, to name 
a few. Treatment can help 
to improve self-care, daily 
functioning and quality of 
life. 
Focus on self-care can be 
very important in providing 
support for depression. This 
may include getting enough 
rest, healthy eating, setting 
healthy boundaries, stress 
management and finding 
activities that bring joy. 
These can be activities that 
help to promote mental 
wellbeing. 
Working with a therapist 
and possibly also a 
psychiatrist can really help 
to improve quality of life, 
functionality, mindfulness 
and improve symptoms of 
depression. Remember that 
not everyone experiences 
depression the same way, 
and it does not always look 
the same.
If you suspect someone 
you know may be struggling 
with depression of any type, 
it is essential to approach 
them with kindness, care 
and empathy, and encourage 
them to seek professional 
support. Helping someone 
to consider treating their 
depression can truly change 
their quality of life. Mental 
health professionals, 
physicians, clergy and 
counselors are all excellent 
places to start to seek care. 
Depression does not have 
to be a chronic addition 
to daily life. Things can be 
better. 

Dr. Brooke Weingarden is a 

psychiatrist at Birmingham Maple 

Clinic in Troy, Mich. and can be 

reached at www.birminghammaple.

com.

DANIEL SHERBERT, M.D. F.A.C.S.
Certifi
 ed by The American Board of Surgery, 
The American Board of Plastic Surgery & Fellowship 
Trained in Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery

Specializing in Cosmetic Surgery &

Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery

W est Maple
Plastic Surgery

(248) 865-6400

5807 W. Maple • Suite 177 • West Bloomfi
 eld

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