is there such a thing as high-functioning depression?

[brianmanahan]

asking for a friend, he thinks he might have it. says he has felt depressed for the last 5 years but it hasn't affected his work or interpersonal life.

 

[Ruptga]

Depression is actually a boolean state.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Hell yeah. Loads of info on the subject. But if it hasn't affected his life at all he isn't one.

Has it really not affected his life or has he just convinced himself that things are how he wants them to be and all his relationships are normal? He can easily hold a job and seem normal, but there will be cracks in his personal life, long periods alone, difficulty making new friends, distancing himself from old friends etc.