I have heard of "functioning alcoholics". People who drink everyday and function in the real world with jobs and everything.

Well, my question is....is it possible to be a "functioning depressed person"?? What would you call a depressed person??

Could it be possible to lead a life a depression and not realize it??

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Stacey

“Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why. ~ Eddie Cantor

I believe so. But it seems it would take a toll on their day to day relationships. There have been a lot of articles lately about how men don't recognise the symptoms of depression and they are often very moody and angry all the time.

I know I go through bouts of it myself but just kind of deal with it the best way I know how.

Yes, I definitely think so. My brother is a walking example. And, treehugger is right. It has taken a huge toll on his relationships...and on his life in general. We have tried everything we can think of to get him on the meds..and to make him stay on the meds, but nothing works.

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Shaking in my boots (well, if I was wearing them in the middle of summer!), but glad to be back!

Yes. I believe there are many. They are not pleasant to be around. Depression comes in all shapes, sizes and ranges. Then there's those like my MIL who has been depressed pretty much all her life. At least I think I know what normal feelings are.

My dh functions well at work, but he is easily set off and refuses to take meds of any kind, so there's no way he will mess with his mind. He could be so much more, I feel, if he were to do it, and it would help our relationship. He's such a narcissist on top of it all. He'd be a much better father, too.

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Honestly, I personally think that I have gone through this. I don't know what snapped me out of it- i felt really lethargic- did not want to do anything or do anything. I just did the things I absolutley had to do- and it was a chore to do anything! I absolutley hated everyone and everything on the inside and just smiled to cover it up.

So I really believe that this is possible. I don't know what triggered mine (I personally did not feel as if it was a depression at the time) and I don't know what snapped me out of it though- it did last a few months though.

Absolutely! There are people who 'self-medicate' themselves for depression all the time and they LOOK like they are functioning. There are people who shop excessively or become work-aholics. I'm serious - these are among the list of symptoms for depression.

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Oh I think there are many, many "functioning" depressed people. I think that often time people sleep a lot, become loners or don't socialize with others, they feel lack of motivation, etc. I think maybe some of them don't really recognize that those can be symptoms of depression and don't seek medical advice about it...they just stagger through life. Then there are others who I think may realize those are symptoms of depression, but don't trust antidepressant meds or think if they just "try hard enough" they should be able to get better. Unfortunately many people still see things such as depression as a personal weakness, when in reality much of it is hormonal or biochemical in nature. It's sort of sad, because I'm sure many of them would benefit from treatment...either meds, therapy, or both...and they could be happier and more productive.

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This is all very interesting, and I was talking about myself. I remember a summer back when I was about 15, I visited with my grandparents in Connecticut that summer, and literally slept the summer away, and no one knew what was wrong with me. Now that I have been literally spilling my guts out in my blog, I am starting to wonder if I was depressed, and never "fixed" myself, and I have just been going from one depressing thing to another, so to speak. But I certainly don't think that I am unpleasant to be around, quite the opposite actually. So, maybe I am wrong. I have seen a therapist in the past, and I do have an appt schedule for the 19th of this month. Before we moved to Tampa I would not have thought this about myself....but this past year has proven to be a very hard one, and bringing up a lot of issues, deep down issues that I don't think I have ever dealt with. The good news is a have a wonderful hubby who is supporting me 100%.

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Stacey

“Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why. ~ Eddie Cantor

I don't know how to answer that question. I think I am a disfunctional depressed person.
I function well sometimes but most of the time I don't function well. Maybe I should say I don't function at 100%. I started counseling again. I haven't been in about 3 years. I did group for a while and didn't like it. Just my last visit, I discussed that I think I function at about 50%. My niece whom I am very close to says 75%. My DH (who lives in FL) says 40-50%. Who knows? I just know I can function some days better than others. In saying that I mean, daily routines. I can function well at my DS's house to help our or the place where I nanny 3 days a week. I just don't function at my own house. It is like I am off the clock and can do anything I want. Just leave the dirty clothes, dirty dishes and dirty house.
I have been on meds for depression for 16 years.
If you continue to feel this way, you may need to check into some counseling. It depends on who you go to how you progress with getting these things out. I meant the right person to be the counselor. I have had a few in my time that were doozies.

I know you can be depressed and be easy to be around. I know many people with depression who don't usually let on.

Life is just one battle after another, isn't it?