How to Spot Hidden Depression in Loved Ones

January 08 2025 TalktoAngel 0 comments 373 Views

Millions of individuals around the world suffer from depression, a prevalent mental illness. While some individuals exhibit clear signs of depression, others mask their struggles, making it difficult for loved ones to identify their pain. Hidden or "high-functioning" depression often goes unnoticed because individuals with this condition may appear fine on the surface, managing their daily responsibilities without apparent difficulty. Recognizing the subtle signs of hidden depression is crucial for providing timely support and encouraging loved ones to seek help.

What Is Hidden Depression?

Hidden depression, also referred to as smiling depression, involves concealing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or despair while maintaining an outward appearance of normalcy. People with hidden depression often internalize their struggles, leading to significant emotional distress and sometimes dangerous consequences, including suicidal thoughts.

Subtle Signs of Hidden Depression

Persistent Fatigue

Individuals with hidden depression may frequently complain of being tired or unmotivated. This fatigue often stems from emotional exhaustion, even if they appear active and engaged in their daily lives.

Changes in Eating or Sleeping Patterns

Look for shifts in appetite or sleep habits, such as overeating, undereating, insomnia, or sleeping too much. These changes can indicate underlying emotional turmoil.

Difficulty Concentrating

Hidden depression often manifests as trouble focusing or making decisions, even in individuals who typically perform well at work or school.

Withdrawal from Social Activities

While they might attend social gatherings, people with hidden depression may avoid deep conversations or reduce meaningful interactions. They may also social isolate themselves subtly, citing busyness or fatigue.

Irritability or Unexplained Anger

Depression doesn't always appear as sadness; it can also manifest as irritability, frustration, or anger over seemingly minor issues.

Perfectionism and Overachievement

Some individuals cope with hidden depression by striving for perfection or overachieving in their personal or professional lives. They may use success as a mask to hide their inner struggles.

Substance Use or Risky Behavior

Watch for increased use of alcohol, drugs, or other risky behaviours. These could be attempts to escape reality or dull emotional suffering.

Expressions of Hopelessness or Guilt

Subtle remarks about feeling like a burden, doubting their self-worth, or expressing hopelessness about the future can be significant indicators of hidden depression.

A Forced Smile or Feigned Positivity

People with hidden depression may go to great lengths to appear cheerful, but their smile might not reach their eyes, or their positivity may seem exaggerated.

Physical Health Complaints Without Medical Cause

Depression often manifests physically through unexplained aches, digestive issues, or other symptoms that have no identifiable medical cause.

Why Do People Hide Their Depression?

There are many reasons why individuals conceal their depression, including:

Stigma: Fear of judgment or misunderstanding can prevent people from sharing their struggles.
Responsibility: Some individuals feel they must maintain their roles as caregivers, employees, or leaders, even at the cost of their well-being.
Denial: They may not recognize their symptoms as depression or may believe they can manage it alone.
Fear of Burdening Others: Concern about adding stress to loved ones can lead people to suffer in silence.

How to Support a Loved One with Hidden Depression

Approach with Compassion

Begin by expressing concern without judgment. For example, "I've noticed you've seemed a bit off lately, and I want to make sure you're okay.

Encourage Open Communication

Establish a secure environment where your loved one can freely express their feelings and thoughts. Avoid interrupting or offering solutions prematurely.

Be Patient

Hidden depression often takes time to uncover. Avoid pressuring your loved one to open up immediately; remain consistently supportive.

Offer Practical Help

Assist with tasks that may feel overwhelming, such as running errands or organizing their schedule, to reduce stress.

Suggest Professional Help

Gently encourage your loved one to consider therapy or counseling. Make getting expert assistance a common practice as a proactive measure to promote healing.

Keep an Eye Out for Warning Signs If a loved one exhibits suicidal thoughts or acts in a way, seek help asap.

Practice Self-Care

Supporting someone with depression can be emotionally taxing. Take care of your mental health by seeking support or practicing self-care.

The Role of Professional Support

Recognizing hidden depression is only the first step. Professional intervention is crucial for effective recovery. Therapists use evidence-based methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy, to help individuals understand and manage their depression.

How TalktoAngel Can Help

TalktoAngel, a mental health platform, provides accessible and confidential online counselling services to support individuals struggling with depression. Their team of experienced psychologists offers therapy tailored to individual needs, including those battling hidden depression. Whether through one-on-one sessions or family counseling, TalktoAngel can help you and your loved ones navigate the complexities of mental health.

Taking the first step can be daunting, but with platforms like TalktoAngel, professional help is just a click away. To make sure your loved ones get the care they need, get in touch with us right now.

Contribution: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist, life coach & mentor TalktoAngel & Ms. Sangeeta Pal, Counselling Psychologist.

References

American Psychological Association. (2020). Understanding depression. https://www.apa.org
Mayo Clinic. (2022). Depression (major depressive disorder).https://www.mayoclinic.org
National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Depression: What is depression? https://www.nimh.nih.gov