Did you know that high functioning depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States? It affects millions of people each year, and yet it is often misunderstood. In this blog post, we will discuss what high functioning depression is, as well as some of the statistics associated with it. We will also discuss former Miss USA Chelsie Kryst, who suffered from high functioning depression and committed suicide because she felt like she couldn’t cope anymore. If you or someone you know is suffering from high functioning depression, please don’t hesitate to get help. There is no shame in seeking treatment for a mental illness!
High functioning depression, also known as dysthymia, is a form of depression that is characterized by low mood and/or loss of interest in activities. People who suffer from high functioning depression may also experience fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. Despite the fact that they may be able to function relatively well on the outside, they often feel like they are struggling on the inside.
High-functioning depression is often misunderstood because people assume that if you are able to function relatively well, then you must not be depressed. However, this is not the case! Just because someone appears to be high functioning does not mean that they are not suffering from depression. In fact, high functioning depression can be even more difficult to deal with because it is often not taken as seriously as other forms of depression.
The statistics surrounding high functioning depression are staggering. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 14.80% of adults in the United States suffer from some form of major depressive disorder. Of those adults, about 30.66% suffer from high functioning depression. That means that nearly one in three adults in the United States suffers from this debilitating mental illness!
Former Miss USA Chelsie Kryst is one of those people. Kryst was diagnosed with high functioning depression after she won the Miss USA pageant in May 2019. She struggled for years with her mental health, and she eventually committed suicide at 30 years old in January of this year. In an interview with People magazine, Kryst’s mother said that her daughter “hid her pain so well.”
Kryst’s mother explains that her daughter had struggled with high functioning depression for a very long time. Chelsie tried to take her life in her early 20’s, but she was found and hospitalized. Kryst’s mother says that her daughter “put on a brave face” and tried to act like everything was okay, even though she was clearly struggling.
If you or someone you know is suffering from high functioning depression, please don’t hesitate to get help. There are many resources available to those who need them, and no one should have to suffer from this mental illness alone. Remember, you are not alone!
If you or someone close to you is currently in crisis or considering suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). You will be connected to a trained counselor who can help you through this difficult time. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help! It could save your life.
“Getting better from depression demands a lifelong commitment. I’ve made that commitment for my life’s sake and for the sake of those who love me.”
—Susan Polis Schutz
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