Smiling but Stuck: Understanding High-Functioning Depression

from $89.00
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November 5th, 1:00-3:00pm EST, conducted online via Zoom

Depression is the most common mental health condition, yet High Functioning Depression (HFD) remains a less recognized and is often a misunderstood experience, (Sinyor, Rezmovitz, & Zaretsky, 2016). The research on HFD is sparse and is frequently confused with persistent depression disorder or dysthymia (Joseph, 2025). While most clinicians are well-equipped to support clients with persistent depression or dysthymia, HFD tends to go undetected because clients maintain an external functioning yet internally experience chronic low mood, anhedonia, and cognitive impairments (Abuse & Administration, 2016).

This CEU training will equip therapists in identifying the key components of HFD, while interrogating the intersectional and cultural experiences that impact HFD in clients of color.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the difference between high functioning depression and major depression.

  • List the unique presentation of symptoms in high functioning clients.

  • Analyze the various cultural, systemic, and identity-based factors influencing diagnosis and treatment of HFD.

  • Identify strategies to address “stuckness” in clients experiencing depression

Cultivating Healers seeks to provide educational and engaging CEUs with liberatory information, pop-quizzes, and case studies to ensure your learning.

This training is eligible for 2 Continuing Education Credits for NBCC Counselors & NY LMHCs, LCSWs, and LMSWs. Cultivating Healers is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

Want to seek your company’s financial support? Check out our request template to make the ask, and sign up using the organizational rate.

Rate Type:

November 5th, 1:00-3:00pm EST, conducted online via Zoom

Depression is the most common mental health condition, yet High Functioning Depression (HFD) remains a less recognized and is often a misunderstood experience, (Sinyor, Rezmovitz, & Zaretsky, 2016). The research on HFD is sparse and is frequently confused with persistent depression disorder or dysthymia (Joseph, 2025). While most clinicians are well-equipped to support clients with persistent depression or dysthymia, HFD tends to go undetected because clients maintain an external functioning yet internally experience chronic low mood, anhedonia, and cognitive impairments (Abuse & Administration, 2016).

This CEU training will equip therapists in identifying the key components of HFD, while interrogating the intersectional and cultural experiences that impact HFD in clients of color.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the difference between high functioning depression and major depression.

  • List the unique presentation of symptoms in high functioning clients.

  • Analyze the various cultural, systemic, and identity-based factors influencing diagnosis and treatment of HFD.

  • Identify strategies to address “stuckness” in clients experiencing depression

Cultivating Healers seeks to provide educational and engaging CEUs with liberatory information, pop-quizzes, and case studies to ensure your learning.

This training is eligible for 2 Continuing Education Credits for NBCC Counselors & NY LMHCs, LCSWs, and LMSWs. Cultivating Healers is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

Want to seek your company’s financial support? Check out our request template to make the ask, and sign up using the organizational rate.