I consider myself high-functioning, because even when I'm at my worst, I'm typically able to put on my 'game face' and get done what needs to get done. I'm still employed at a challenging job with a lot of self-supervision (it's really hard, sometimes, to stay on task and motivated, but when push comes to shove I get my work done). I maintain lots of friendly acquaintances as well as a small number of close friendships. I do a pretty decent job of parenting and assist my kids with managing both school and extracurricular responsibilities. I also run the house without burning it down when my husband is working hard during his busy season (like right now - he's been gone 10 days and will probably not be back for another 2-3 weeks) - while he's gone, meals/laundry/cleaning still happen and none of our 7 pets (chickens, dogs, cat) or 2 kids are the worse for wear.

All that said, in the few instances where I've shared my dx, people have been totally shocked because I hold it together so well on the outside. Even when I'm horribly depressed, I feel like I don't have any option but to persevere and get my 'jobs' done in life. Being able to muster up whatever it is that lets me do that is what I think makes me high functioning. It feels like it will kill me, sometimes, and only a very few people (2, maybe 3) in my life can see any of the inner toll that participating in my life is taking during those periods.