Are you a college student experiencing the symptoms of depression? While going to college can be an exciting chapter of your life, it can also come with its own set of hardships. If you have depression, you may have an especially difficult time navigating the challenges of college life. Depression is not the same for everyone. In some cases, people can mask their symptoms and appear to carry on with life as usual. This kind of depression is sometimes called high-functioning depression.

While it isn’t recognized as a formal diagnosis, high-functioning depression can still be a useful way to describe certain experiences. Having high-functioning depression does not necessarily mean your symptoms are more mild. It just means that you can conceal your symptoms, continuing to function well on the outside. While hiding your symptoms might seem like a good way to deal with your depression, it typically causes the condition to worsen with time. Professional intervention can offer significant benefits regardless of the impact depression has on your daily performance. Are you not sure whether you need depression treatment? Learning more about the symptoms of depression can help you understand when to seek help.

Common high-functioning depression symptoms in college students

Depression is common among college students. One recent study found that nearly 50% of college students experience depression, with high studying stress being a major risk factor. According to the study, students with high grades are also especially vulnerable. In many cases, students prioritize academic achievements over their own well-being. This can lead to burnout and worsening mental health symptoms. Depressed students with good grades often have high-functioning depression. Here are some other key signs of high-functioning depression in college students:

• Low mood — Do you feel sad all the time? Persistent low moods and melancholy are signature signs of depression. If you’re experiencing high-functioning depression, you may habitually hide your true emotions. When you are feeling sad or empty, you might try to smile and act happy around other people. The sadness that comes with depression is hard to shake. You may feel as if your depression is a dark cloud around your head that won’t go away. If you’re experiencing chronic low emotions, mental health treatment can help you find relief. Through psychotherapy, you can work to process your emotions and break from negative thought patterns.
• Fatigue — Depression can sap your energy. Though you might try to keep up with all your responsibilities, depression can make each and every task feel exhausting. People with depression often experience chronic fatigue. If you’re depressed, you may feel tired regardless of how much rest and sleep you get. This fatigue can have a major impact on your productivity. You may even start to doze off in classes or study sessions. Do you want to feel energized again? Seeking mental health treatment can be a great start. With evidence-based therapy and other treatment techniques, you can address the core processes behind your chronic fatigue.
• Persistent self-criticism — Are you your own harshest critic? Students with depression often experience negative thoughts and feelings about themselves. You may blame yourself over every small mistake and feel guilty about perceived shortcomings. This might be causing you to hide your symptoms from others. Though masking can be an unhealthy habit, it may seem like the only way to please others. Persistent self-criticism is typically rooted in feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy, which are signature signs of depression. By addressing your depression directly with tailored mental health treatment, you can overcome feelings of guilt and boost your self-esteem.
• Unexplained physical ailments — Depression can sometimes lead to physical symptoms. When left untreated, depression can cause persistent discomfort in the form of headaches, stomachaches and more. You may start to notice general aches and pains throughout your body that do not have a clear physical cause. If you’re experiencing chronic discomfort along with other depression symptoms, your physical symptoms may be connected to your mental condition. You can work with your psychotherapist to improve your mental, physical and emotional well-being.

Manage your depression with Lightfully U

Lightfully U is here to help you get the care you need for addressing your depression. Our Precision Care Model provides a framework for evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care. With a curated synergy of effective treatment techniques, we can work together to address your symptoms and make your college experience more fulfilling.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to find relief from your depression symptoms, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.