High Functioning Depression and Burnout in Healthcare Professionals
As a healthcare professional and a mom of six, I’ve always been the one to “power through” exhaustion, stress, and the overwhelming demands of my career and personal life. From the outside, it might look like I’ve got it all together. But behind the scenes, there are days when the weight feels unbearable.
It wasn’t until I stumbled upon Dr. Judith Joseph’s insights on High Functioning Depression (HFD) that I realized my persistent low moods and emotional fatigue weren’t just “part of the job” or “being a strong mom.” They were symptoms of something deeper—an invisible struggle that I had learned to mask so well, even from myself.
High Functioning Depression (HFD) is a term used to describe individuals who, despite experiencing depressive symptoms, continue to manage daily responsibilities effectively. This condition often goes unnoticed because those affected maintain a facade of normalcy. Dr. Judith Joseph, a renowned psychiatrist and researcher, has identified several signs indicative of HFD, these are:
Prolonged Low Mood: A persistent feeling of sadness or emptiness lasting for at least two years, becoming a constant backdrop to daily life.
Fatigue and Apathy: Chronic tiredness and a lack of interest in activities once found enjoyable, leading to withdrawal from social engagements.
Self-Critical Thinking: Engaging in negative self-talk, with pervasive thoughts of inadequacy and self-doubt, despite external achievements.
Difficulty Concentrating: Challenges in focusing, making decisions, or completing tasks, which can impact both professional and personal life.
Sleep Disturbances: Experiencing insomnia or excessive sleeping, disrupting normal sleep patterns and contributing to daytime fatigue.
Changes in Appetite: Noticeable increase or decrease in appetite, potentially leading to significant weight fluctuations.
Social Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions, even with close friends and family, leading to isolation and a sense of disconnection.
Recognizing these signs is crucial, as individuals with HFD often dismiss their symptoms, attributing them to stress or overwork. If you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms, it's essential to seek professional help. Early intervention can lead to effective management and improved quality of life.
For a more in-depth understanding, you can watch Dr. Judith Joseph discuss High Functioning Depression in this informative video:
High Functioning Depression: The Silent Struggle Behind the Smile
Dr. Judith Joseph describes High Functioning Depression as a condition where people appear to function normally on the outside while silently battling depressive symptoms. This hit close to home. I was checking all the boxes, showing up for my patients, my business, and my family, but internally, I was drained.
The paradox of HFD is that you become a master of disguise. You excel at work, meet deadlines, and even socialize, all while feeling persistently low, fatigued, and emotionally numb. The world sees you as high-achieving, but inside, you’re just trying to keep your head above water.
Burnout vs. High Functioning Depression: What’s the Difference?
In healthcare, burnout is a buzzword. We’re trained to recognize it—emotional exhaustion, detachment, and decreased performance. But HFD is different. It lingers beyond the workplace and seeps into every corner of your life.
I’ve experienced burnout, but I also realized that some of my symptoms went deeper. It wasn’t just work stress. It was a persistent feeling of sadness, emptiness, and even hopelessness that I couldn’t shake, no matter how many self-care practices I tried to implement.
Why Healthcare Professionals Often Overlook Their Own Depression
Working in mental health, I know the signs. I educate my clients about them every day. But recognizing them in myself? That was a different story. Here’s why so many healthcare professionals, including myself, miss the signs:
Stigma and Expectations: We’re trained to be strong, resilient, and unbreakable. Admitting to depression feels like admitting to failure, especially in a profession that demands emotional fortitude. I convinced myself that I just needed to “toughen up.”
Perfectionism and High Standards: I’ve always been driven by high standards, both in my career and as a mom. This perfectionism masked my depressive symptoms because I was still “getting things done.” But checking off tasks doesn’t mean you’re okay.
Anosognosia – Lack of Insight: Ironically, we’re often blind to our own mental health struggles. We’re so focused on caring for others that we overlook our own needs. For me, it took stepping back and truly reflecting on how I felt to realize that my emotional exhaustion wasn’t normal.
Medical Culture of Sacrifice: Healthcare culture glorifies self-sacrifice. We skip meals, work long hours, and put others before ourselves. It’s no wonder we lose sight of our own mental well-being.
What to Do About It: My Personal Road to Healing
Recognizing High Functioning Depression was the first step, but the journey to healing required action. Here’s what helped me:
Acknowledging My Struggle: I had to allow myself to admit that I wasn’t okay. Saying it out loud felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders.
Seeking Professional Help: Even as a mental health professional, I realized I couldn’t do this alone. I sought therapy, allowing myself the same grace and support that I give to my clients.
Setting Boundaries and Asking for Help: As a mom of six and an entrepreneur, I’m used to doing it all. But I had to learn to delegate, set boundaries, and ask for help—both at work and at home.
Reframing Self-Care: Self-care isn’t just bubble baths or spa days (though those are nice). It’s about protecting my mental energy, saying “no” when necessary, and surrounding myself with a supportive community.
Advocacy and Open Dialogue: I made it my mission to speak out about High Functioning Depression. By sharing my story, I hope to break the stigma and encourage others in healthcare to seek help without shame.
Why This Matters: Changing the Narrative in Healthcare
Mental health stigma in healthcare is real, and it’s time we change the narrative. We’re human too, and it’s okay to struggle. It’s okay to seek help. It’s okay to prioritize our own well-being.
By recognizing High Functioning Depression and understanding its impact, we can support each other better. We can create a culture where seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a healthcare professional reading this and you feel exhausted, low, or disconnected, please know you’re not alone. High Functioning Depression is real, and it doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human. Break the silence. Reach out for support. And remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
Let’s Continue the Conversation
I’m here to break the stigma, one conversation at a time. Have you experienced burnout or High Functioning Depression? Let’s talk about it. Drop a comment, share this post, or reach out privately. You don’t have to go through this alone.
#HighFunctioningDepression #BurnoutPrevention #MentalHealthInHealthcare #BreakingTheSilence #HealthcareProfessionals #SelfCareIsHealthcare #MentalWellness #HealthcareBurnout #MentalHealthAdvocate #RealTalkWithNurseRose 🌹
Xoxo Nurse Rose 🌹
Suicide Prevention Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You are not alone, and there is hope. Here are some trusted resources:
Immediate Help:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (USA)
Phone: Dial 988 for 24/7 support.
Website: 988lifeline.org
Text: Text HELLO to 741741 for crisis support via text.
International Resources:
International Association for Suicide Prevention
Website: iasp.info
Provides a global directory of crisis centers.
Befrienders Worldwide
Website: befrienders.org
Offers international support and resources.
For Healthcare Professionals:
Physician Support Line
Phone: 1-888-409-0141
Confidential support line for physicians and medical students staffed by psychiatrists.
Text and Online Support:
Crisis Text Line
USA: Text HELLO to 741741
UK: Text SHOUT to 85258
Canada: Text HOME to 686868
Website: crisistextline.org
LGBTQ+ Support:
The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth)
Phone: 1-866-488-7386
Text: Text START to 678678
Website: thetrevorproject.org
Trans Lifeline
Phone (USA): 1-877-565-8860
Phone (Canada): 1-877-330-6366
Website: translifeline.org
Veterans Support:
Veterans Crisis Line
Phone: Dial 988, then Press 1
Text: 838255
Website: veteranscrisisline.net
Support for Teens and Youth:
Your Life Your Voice (Boys Town National Hotline)
Phone: 1-800-448-3000
Text: Text VOICE to 20121
Website: yourlifeyourvoice.org
Online Counseling and Support:
BetterHelp
Website: betterhelp.com
Offers online therapy with licensed counselors.
Talkspace
Website: talkspace.com
Online therapy and mental health support.
Additional Resources:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Website: nami.org
Offers education, advocacy, and support for individuals affected by mental illness.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
Website: afsp.org
Provides resources for suicide prevention, advocacy, and support for survivors.
You Are Not Alone
If you're feeling overwhelmed, please reach out. Talking to someone can make a difference. There is hope, and help is available. You're not alone, and your life matters. 💜
Share and Save
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