1. They lose the happiness in the little things. The things that used to grant them their much-needed escape from the world now feel like burdens holding them down. They aren’t brightened by the idea of joy, they are crushed by it, but they work like hell to participate anyway.

2. They can’t accept the idea that sometimes, mistakes happen, and that doesn’t mean they’ve lost their worth. Mistakes can sometimes feel like a death sentence on our dreams for everyone, but for people suffering from high-functioning depression, mistakes can often be the catalyst for crippling self-deprecation.

3. They never think they’ve done good enough. They are in a constant state of self-doubt. They never feel worthy enough, safe enough, of like they’ve done a good enough job.

4. They’re always tired, but they always show up. While their life may always feel like an uphill battle, they always come with a sword in hand, ready to fight.

5. The little struggles we all face start looking like major hurdles. They are unable to distinguish what is dire and truly difficult, to what their depression is morphing into as a major hurdle in their life.

6. They can’t focus on the future because they are still worried about the past. Working hand in hand with self-doubt, people with high-functioning depression are in constant turmoil about if their life is where it should be.

7. They just can’t slow down. People with high-functioning depression have a leniency towards perfection, and often don’t rest until that standard is met. They struggle to accept anything less than this diluted idea, and oftentimes, this is a struggle that follows them through their entire life.

8. They have good days too. They can push through the bad times and see the good in things, too, but that doesn’t mean that they still aren’t battling with the silent demons they are trying so hard to keep covered.

Acknowledge that you hear them. Give them some love. Believe me, they need it most.