It was a usual day for Timi when he went for his regular hospital check-up. What his doctor told him, however, was not what he was expecting. The truth is, Timi functions like every other hardworking young person trying to make life work. He is productive at work, attends social gatherings, and keeps up appearances, but deep down, Timi has been experiencing emotional numbness, fatigue and is just getting through each day.

Recently, experts have warned about a new emotional trend: functional depression.

Also Read: 60 million Nigerians are living with mental illness

Functional depression is a growing mental health concern where individuals continue to function normally in daily life while experiencing persistent low mood, fatigue, and emotional distress, just like Timi. Unlike traditional depression, symptoms are often hidden behind outward productivity, social engagement, or “keeping up appearances.”

Globally, depression is a leading cause of disability, affecting over 300 million people, according to the World Health Organisation. While functional depression is less studied, a 2022 survey by Mental Health Foundation Nigeria indicated that a significant portion of young adults experience depressive symptoms without seeking formal support, many of whom exhibit functional patterns.

Signs and triggers of functional depression

Functional depression can manifest as persistent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, or emotional numbness, despite outward engagement at work, school, or social settings. It is often triggered by chronic stress, urban pressures, academic and professional demands, and prolonged exposure to digital media. Rising living costs and inflation also intensify these pressures, as financial stress adds another layer of emotional burden for many young Nigerians already juggling work, studies, and personal responsibilities.

A 2023 study in the African Journal of Psychiatry highlighted that urban young adults in Lagos and Abuja reported higher stress levels and depressive symptoms than peers in smaller towns and villages, suggesting that city living can further increase functional depression risk.

Mental health professionals emphasise that functional depression is often overlooked because those affected continue to meet expectations as they ought to. Early recognition, access to counselling, lifestyle management, and supportive environments are essential to prevent long-term mental health consequences as a result of functional depression.

With mental health discussions gaining traction in Nigeria, recognising functional depression as a distinct phenomenon is critical. Addressing it requires awareness, structured support, and accessible professional services, particularly for urban young adults who are most at risk. 

Cynthia Nwanonyiri