The Faces We Don’t See
She shows up to work every day. He leads meetings with confidence. They post photos from brunch, vacation, and family gatherings with seemingly endless energy and smiles. But what if behind those polished exteriors, there’s a quiet ache, one that doesn’t show up in Instagram captions or morning check-ins?
At Chiron Hospital, we see it often: patients who are struggling deeply with their mental health yet feel they “can’t afford” to show it. High-functioning depression and anxiety are more common than you might think especially among professionals, caregivers, and people who are seen as “strong” by others.
What Is High-Functioning Depression?
High-functioning depression, often linked to Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) or atypical depression, doesn’t always fit the stereotypical image of someone who’s withdrawn or visibly unwell. In fact, people who live with it may still:
• Meet deadlines
• Maintain relationships
• Smile and socialize
• Post updates that suggest “all is well”
But internally, they may feel:
• Emotionally numb or overwhelmed
• Drained by simple tasks
• Disconnected from joy
• Trapped in a cycle of overachievement and burnout
These individuals often don’t seek help until they crash and sometimes, not even then.
“I Didn’t Even Know I Was Depressed”
Lola, 36, is a Lagos-based HR consultant who came to Chiron complaining of migraines and digestive problems. She didn’t think of herself as “mentally ill” after all, she was managing her team, caring for her elderly mum, and helping her kids with homework. But the cracks were there.
“I couldn’t sleep,” she said. “I was always tired, snapping at my husband for no reason. I thought I was just stressed.”
After a comprehensive assessment at our mental health clinic in Lagos, she was diagnosed with moderate depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Therapy and just having a space to speak honestly helped her reclaim her energy and set boundaries in her life.
Why People Stay Silent
In many African societies, mental health remains a difficult topic. High-functioning adults, especially, face invisible pressure to “be strong” or “pray it away.” Seeking therapy may feel like a luxury or even a sign of failure.
But it’s not weakness, it’s courage. Whether you’re a young professional, a parent, a caregiver, or a CEO, your mental health matters. And burnout, grief, hormonal changes, trauma, or chronic stress don’t discriminate by title or social status.
Common Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
You don’t need to “hit rock bottom” to get help. If you’re experiencing any of the following for more than two weeks, it’s worth speaking to a professional:
• You feel emotionally flat or irritable more days than not
• You wake up feeling exhausted, no matter how much you sleep
• You no longer enjoy things you used to love
• You’re easily overwhelmed or anxious about daily tasks
• You feel lonely, even when surrounded by people
• You’re engaging in unhealthy coping habits (excessive drinking, overeating, isolating)
• Your body is reacting with headaches, digestive issues, or fatigue with no clear cause
What Therapy Looks Like
At Chiron Hospital, therapy is not about judgment. It’s about support, education, and healing. We offer:
• Individual therapy (including CBT, trauma-focused therapy, and stress management)
• Couples and family counseling
• Psychiatric evaluation and medication support when needed
• Mind-body techniques to support healing, such as mindfulness, movement, and breathing exercises
Our team includes trained psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors who understand the cultural context of mental health and how to help you feel heard, not labelled.
Mental Health and the Body: It’s All Connected
When your mental health suffers, your body feels it too. Chronic stress and untreated depression can lead to:
• High blood pressure
• Weakened immunity
• Gut issues (like IBS)
• Heart disease
• Sleep disorders
• Substance dependence
That’s why addressing mental health isn’t separate from physical health, it’s foundational. Start Your Mental Wellness Journey at Chiron. At Chiron Hospital, a trusted mental health clinic in Lagos, we meet you with compassion, not assumptions. Our goal is to help you move from surviving to truly living.
📞 Call +234 909 000 1078 📧 Email: admin@chironhospital.org 🌐 www.chironhospital.org
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