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Just because high-functioning depression is different from major depression doesn’t make it any less real. It affects the person suffering from it and it can also affect your romantic relationship.
This type of depression is less severe than its main counterpart. The name speaks for itself – you can function normally, but still be affected.
A person suffering from high-functioning depression may look fine to others. However, we know that appearances can be deceiving.
On the inside, they are leading a battle that leaves them struggling in everyday life. Others may not be aware of it because the symptoms are not as obvious as those of major depression.
Yet it affects the person experiencing it. Logically, it can reflect on people closest to them, such as a partner or family member.
If you are dealing with high-functioning depression, then I can believe that life is difficult for you at times. Although it is not the more commonly known depression, you still experience extreme sadness.
Your friend is probably the person who supports you during your struggle and helps you. That’s what partners are for, right?
Although love is about the two of you and your affection for each other, things can change quite quickly. When you’re dealing with depression, it’s not just taking a toll on you.
Unfortunately, your loved one is also affected by it, whether you acknowledge it or not. Depression can change the person you are and your behavior can reflect on him.
It’s not easy for you to feel this way, but trust me, it won’t be much better for your partner. It is hard for him to see his loved one depressed.
1. You don’t spend much time together
When something weighs heavily on your heart, you usually feel defeated. It drains your energy and you are not willing to participate in certain activities like you used to.
You no longer feel like being the life of the party and you often avoid invitations from your mutual friends. There are days when you don’t feel like socializing and that’s okay.
However, your partner does not fully understand you, even though he wants to and tries to. He doesn’t know how necessary it is for you to sometimes just stay in and order takeout.
He’s looking forward to gatherings of family or friends, but he’s stuck between leaving you alone and being with them. As much as he wants to help get you out of bed, some days it’s better to be left alone.
You don’t go out as often as you used to and your chemistry seems to be fading day by day. You slowly close yourself off and start to distance yourself from the only person you can confide in.
2. You think you’re not good enough
Even though you’ve been together for a while, you start to doubt yourself. You no longer see yourself or your relationship as you used to.
It feels like you’re just a burden to your friend and holding him back. Maybe you think you’re ruining the plans you made together.
You cancel lunch dates and dinner with him because you don’t feel like facing the outside world. In the aftermath, you begin to question your self-worth.
Tons of questions flood your mind, but one of them stands out the most: am I still good enough to be his girlfriend? You often feel like he would have been better off without you, which isn’t true.
All your good memories are replaced by the sad reality you are currently facing. The more he tries to get through to you, the more you feel like you don’t deserve him.
3. You lash out at him
Maybe this one is hard to admit, but it happens. When you suffer from high-functioning depression , it can be challenging.
Some days you can do whatever you put your mind to. On other days the story plays out a little differently. Because it is high-functioning depression , you are able to run errands, go to work, etc.
It is the inner struggle and it is difficult for you to describe it. Moreover, it is difficult for others to even recognize that you are having a hard time.
Your friend may not be fully aware of your condition, so you may be a little angry with him. Even though you know it’s not your fault for suffering this way, or his fault for not seeing it, you can’t do anything about it.
The mood swings you have make you lash out at him over the most trivial things. You know he doesn’t deserve to be treated like this, which only makes you more unhappy.
Also Read: Depression Partner Repulsion: Why Does It Happen?
4. You ignore him
You’re probably not doing it on purpose, but your friend might think differently. He can only assume how you feel, but he can never be 100% sure.
Unfortunately, he can’t read your mind, so you have to open up and talk to him . I know how difficult a simple conversation can be for you when you’re dealing with high-functioning depression.
Things don’t come as naturally as before and you aren’t able to confide in him like you used to. You’re afraid that someone will burst your own bubble that even excludes your friend.
Your romantic relationship can be greatly affected by your condition. He may feel unwanted by the silent treatment you give him.
He may think he did something wrong and blame himself. All he wants is to help you and knowing this ends up making you feel even more guilty about your cold reactions to him.
In summary…
High-functioning depression is not as serious as major depression. This doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be taken seriously and treated accordingly.
Unfortunately, it not only affects you, but also the people you love most. Those around you may be in a dire situation.
They want to offer help, but don’t know how. Your friend may feel like you are giving up on your relationship, when in fact you are not.
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