Top Signs of High-Functioning Depression in Men — And Where to Get Help in Ottawa

First Step Men's Therapy
4 days ago
3 min read

What Is High-Functioning Depression — and Why Men in Ottawa Often Miss It

High-functioning depression doesn’t always “look” like depression. You’re not crying all the time. You’re not bedridden. You still go to work, handle responsibilities, and even crack a joke here and there. But deep down, there’s a fog — a dull, persistent sense of emptiness or burnout that just won’t lift.

In clinical terms, this often overlaps with Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), a long-lasting form of depression that’s less intense than major depressive episodes but more chronic. It can feel like you’re constantly carrying a weight you can’t put down.

Why Men Are Less Likely to Recognize It

Many men in Ottawa, and beyond, miss the signs of high-functioning depression because it doesn’t align with how we’ve been taught to think about mental health. We tend to associate depression with sadness, crying, or visibly falling apart. But men often experience depression through behavioral and physical symptoms, such as:

Anger or irritability
Sleep changes (too much or too little)
Overworking or becoming overly busy
Increased substance use or screen time
Numbness or loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities

Men are also more likely to hide or downplay their symptoms, especially if they fear judgment from coworkers, family, or friends.

A Few Subtle but Telling Signs in Men:

You can’t remember the last time you felt truly excited about anything
You’ve become emotionally distant in your relationships
You experience frequent "Sunday dread" or waking up already tired
You use work, sex, alcohol, or scrolling as a distraction
You feel like you’re faking your way through life

If this sounds familiar, it’s not a weakness. It’s a warning sign.

Helpful Tips to Start Managing High-Functioning Depression

Label It. Giving your experience a name (like “high-functioning depression”) reduces shame and helps you understand that this is real — and treatable.
Check in with Your Body. Men often store emotions physically. Are you always tense? Grinding your teeth? Getting sick more often? Your body might be expressing what you’re avoiding mentally.
Limit Numbing Behaviors. Reducing time spent on escapist behaviors (like excessive gaming, porn use, or overworking) helps you reconnect with your emotional self.
Talk to Someone. Whether it’s a therapist or someone you trust, talking breaks the internal echo chamber of shame and self-criticism.
Focus on Micro-Wins. Set small, realistic goals for yourself each day — things like “Go for a 10-minute walk” or “Text a friend.” These rebuild momentum and self-efficacy.

Our Ottawa Centretown Location - 396 Cooper Street

How Our Ottawa Clinic Supports Men with Depression and Emotional Struggles

At First Step Men’s Therapy, we’ve helped hundreds of men in Ottawa who look like they have it together on the outside, but are falling apart on the inside. Our male-focused approach removes the shame and stigma from therapy and replaces it with genuine connection, practical tools, and emotional insight.

Whether you're dealing with emotional burnout, loneliness, relationship stress, or simply want to feel like yourself again — we’re here for you. Our Ottawa office is centrally located and offers a warm, discreet environment for in-person therapy. We also offer virtual sessions across Ontario.

Next Steps: You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck

You don’t have to wait until things fall apart to reach out. Therapy isn’t just for rock-bottom — it’s for any man who wants to feel more present, clear, and connected.

OUR OTTAWA BASED TEAM: