High-functioning depression. The overlooked condition

The Masked Depression: When Overwhelm Hides Behind a Smile. When people think of depression, they often envision a typical image: individuals who can barely get out of bed, stumbling through the day in deep despondency and lack of motivation, unable to cope with their daily lives. However, alongside this classic form of depression, there exists another, more hidden variant. The so-called high-functioning depression, where those affected go through the day confidently and energetically—until they suddenly collapse, completely unexpectedly for those around them. Dr. Michelle Hildebrandt is a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy. In this guide, she clarifies the signs and possible therapeutic approaches.

• "But he/she always seems so cheerful.": Why high-functioning depression often goes unrecognized
• High-functioning depression: Self-test to find out if I am at risk or already affected
• How helpful is psychotherapy for depression?
• Resources that help: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Suddenly nothing works anymore: a guide to depression for those affected and their relatives
• Breaking out of the victim role: How resource-oriented therapy helps in the long term

When the diagnosis of depression is on the table, psychotherapy often seeks out causes and deficiencies. This poses the risk that patients remain in the victim role, feeling unable to actively look forward again. Dr. Michelle Hildebrandt focuses in this book on approaches that highlight personal strengths and resources, such as relaxation techniques and mindfulness meditations. This way, those affected receive valuable suggestions to find their own path out of depression using their own strength and effective coping strategies.