High functioning depression is the silent partner in the world of mental health. You know the type - the individuals who seem to have it all together on the surface, but are struggling to keep up with their own thoughts and emotions behind closed doors. It's like they've mastered the art of putting on a happy face while battling an invisible enemy inside. High functioning depression is characterized by the ability to maintain day-to-day functionality despite experiencing symptoms of depression. These folks can go about their lives, excelling at work or school, maintaining relationships, and even cracking jokes to lighten up a room. But don't be fooled by their apparent happiness; deep down, they're fighting off a never-ending chorus of negative thoughts and emptiness. The irony is that because they're so damn good at hiding their pain, high functioning depressives often fly under the radar without receiving the support they desperately need – until someone notices those telltale signs that are just hard to ignore.