It's assumed that those with major depressive disorder and other mental disorders are unable to function. However, what constitutes the inability to function? What happens when a person with a mental disorder can function?
From my perspective, someone who has a mental disorder is forced to function. They may not function to their capacity but they can get through daily life and accomplish the necessities. I have depression, for example, and I accomplish most of my important tasks throughout the day.
For those who have mental disorders and can still function, there still may be a conflict with friends, family and mental health professionals. People may not take a person with depression seriously if they are not outwardly struggling. This is emotional dysfunction even though physically, they are able to function normally. A person with depression might not be able to perform high-energy jobs or do as much as they want within a certain day compared to people without depression.
A report about mental health states by the Surgeon General says that some mental disorders can be compared to physical medical conditions in terms of loss of productivity. However, there is no real in-depth discussion about what constitutes functionality and the definition of functioning and impaired functioning is debatable.
Besides the inability to function normally, some symptoms of major depressive disorder include being moody, loss of interest and pleasure as well as weight, appetite and sleep fluctuations, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Depending on the severity, these symptoms alone can make it difficult to function normally.
I’ve had several instances of major depressive episodes where I cannot function at all. This includes not being able to get out of bed, loss of appetite and excessive sleeping. For me, lack of functioning is caused by feeling hopeless and worthless, which are common symptoms of depression. Sometimes these episodes are caused by my events in my life and other times feelings of depression happen on their own.
Recently, without medication, I forced myself to get past the non-functioning aspect of my depression. This may indicate that I have a minimal form of depression but at the same time, I could lapse at any moment. I think there is some sort of willpower involved, even with a possible chemical imbalance. Unfortunately, this willpower can be lost instantly when the body takes over at seemingly any time (like during episodes).
Overall, I think the concept of functioning depends on individual interpretation. If I was not burdened with symptoms and depression I would be able to function at a higher rate. At the same time, there are individuals who can't leave home and are placed in hospitals because they can’t function at all. It seems there is no comparison between my current state and people who are helpless because of their depression.
Resources:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/what-are-the-different-forms-of-depression.shtml
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth/chapter1/sec1.html#mental_disorders
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth/chapter4/sec3.html#assessment