Depression is a common mental health issue that affects people from all walks of life, regardless of their accomplishments or status. But, there is a correlation between high achievers and high-functioning depression.  Many famous individuals have come forward to openly discuss their experiences with high-functioning depression and how it has impacted their lives, including celebrities like Lady Gaga, Prince Harry, and business leaders like Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk. Even sports stars, like Chicago Blackhawks star Jonathon Toews, have shared their struggles with depression.  Michael Phelps famously shared that he “questioned whether he wanted to be alive anymore.” Despite tremendous success, these people and others have struggled with high-functioning depression.  

How is it possible that very high achievers can be depressed? The answer to this question and the relationship between high-functioning depression and high achievement requires further   exploration.

What causes depression?

Depression is a prevalent mental health issue that can affect individuals from all walks of life. Research shows that more than 322 million people globally suffer from depression, without discrimination based on factors such as gender, ethnicity, age, family status, or income.

Depression is often associated with a “chemical imbalance” in the brain. While this notion has some truth, the underlying mechanism is much more complex. According to depression therapists and researchers, multiple chemical reactions are at play in regulating an individual’s mood and perception, and it’s not simply a matter of a single chemical being too high or too low. The intricate interplay of millions, if not billions, of chemical reactions creates the dynamic system that influences a person’s emotional well-being and overall life experience. So, while chemicals do play a role, the explanation is much more nuanced than a straightforward imbalance.

In many cases, it’s the interplay of multiple factors that trigger the development of this debilitating condition. Depression can affect anyone, but those with a family history of mental health issues may be more susceptible. The heritability coefficient of depression refers to the proportion of variation in depression that is attributable to genetic factors. The exact heritability coefficient of depression can vary, but studies have found estimates of heritability coefficients as high as 40%. This means that around 40% of the variation in depression risk can be attributed to genetic factors, while the remaining 60% is influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors.  This heightened risk can stem from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as growing up around individuals who have struggled with depression. Stressful life events, early loss or trauma, medical problems, and even certain medications can also all contribute to the onset of depression.

What is the connection between high achievers and depression?

Many industry experts believe that high-powered business leaders and entrepreneurs may be more vulnerable to depression than other populations. A 2015 research study conducted by UC Berkeley found that a significant percentage of entrepreneurs reported mental health issues, with 72% experiencing concerns and 49% having a lifetime mental health condition. These results were significantly higher than those of non-entrepreneurs. Another study revealed that the rate of depression among CEOs could be more than double that of the general public. These findings suggest that 1.) the demands and stress of leadership positions may put these individuals at higher risk for depression; and, 2.) high-functioning depression is pervasive and can be harder to detect. 

Individuals in positions of leadership, such as executives and business owners, as well as those in the public eye, like celebrities and athletes, often face intense pressure to perform. The perception of intense competition, the constant risk of criticism, and the need to maintain a high level of success can create a difficult and demanding environment. These stressors, combined with long work hours, loss of personal identity, and criticism from all corners, can increase the likelihood of developing mental health conditions, such as depression. The demands of these high-profile positions can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and vulnerable.  Despite high levels of achievement, many suffer from high-functioning depression. 

Depression and anxiety often exist in a complex relationship known as comorbidity, with one condition heightening the likelihood of the other. According to a review of epidemiological studies, the prevalence of comorbid depression and anxiety ranges from 30-50% (Stein et al., 2000). This can be especially detrimental for individuals in high-pressure careers, where the added stress of the job can trigger or exacerbate symptoms. The pressure to constantly perform at a high level, combined with a genetic susceptibility, can create a challenging environment for those in high-pressure jobs and make it important for them to prioritize their mental well-being, whether engaged with a depression therapist or not. 

Despite their external displays of strength and success, high-achieving individuals are susceptible to internal struggles, even more so than the general population in many cases (i.e, high-functioning depression). Their depression may have roots in familial predispositions, tragic events from their childhood, high stress environments, increased pressure and anxiety, or even an underlying medical condition. 

Like other forms of depression, high-functioning depression is a complex mental health condition that can affect people in various ways. Some of the common symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities
• Significant changes in weight or appetite
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Fatigue or low energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide.

When should you consider therapy for depression?

It is recommended to seek a depression therapist when symptoms persist for an extended period of time, interfere with daily functioning and cause significant distress. It’s important to seek a depression therapist as soon as possible, as high-functioning depression can worsen over time if left untreated. In some cases, individuals may experience severe symptoms and require immediate intervention, such as thoughts of suicide or self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to reach out to a depression therapist as soon as possible.

Do some therapists specialize in treating depression?

A therapist for depression is a mental health professional who specializes in treating individuals with depression. They use various forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, to help individuals resolve their symptoms and underlying causes of depression. A depression therapist works with individuals to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop coping mechanisms, and improve emotional regulation. Our Chicago therapists for depression hope to walk alongside you in your work towards recovery. Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our therapists today!

This blog is made for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice.
The information in this blog is not intended to (1) replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified licensed health care provider, (2) create or establish a provider-patient relationship, or (3) create a duty for us to follow up with you.