.jpg)
In a social setting where we audaciously but amusingly use sentences like "I feel so depressed" or "Stop being so depressing," there is a serious lack of awareness around mental health. Surely, it is important to voice your trials and tribulations, but undermining the severity of conditions like depression can be alarming.
Many people struggling with depression have trouble expressing their concerns. In some, it can even cause physical symptoms. But the most concerning aspect of the mental health condition is that it can be hidden, meaning some people can thrive at masking their emotions. Therefore, in this article, we will learn about what depression really is and the subtle traits of people hiding their depression.
Also Read: Mental Health Matters: Anxiety In Women; Triggers, Challenges, And Management
Understanding Depression
.jpg)
Chetna Luthra, Clinical Psychologist at Lissun, tells OnlyMyHealth, "Depression is a mental illness that results in a prolonged feeling of sadness and an overwhelming lack of interest in things and activities you formerly found enjoyable,"
"It can even affect your ability to think, remember, eat, and sleep. It's common to experience sadness or lament about difficult situations in life, such as losing your job or being divorced. But depression differs from general despair," she adds.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is a common mental disorder that affects an estimated 3.8% of the population, including 5% of adults (4% among men and 6% among women), and 5.7% of adults older than 60 years. More women are said to be affected by depression than men, which is also a common risk factor for suicide, as per the global health body.
What Is Concealed Depression?
According to Dr Samir Kumar Praharaj, MD, DPM, Professor and Head-Department of Psychiatry, Kasturba Medical College, MAHE, Manipal, some patients suffering from depression may try to hide their emotions from family and friends.
“This can happen because of many reasons, including poor awareness about possible professional help, the stigma around mental illness, or because of symptoms of depression itself,” the doctor explains.
Concealed depression often goes unnoticed by others, because people hide their emotions under the guise of smiling faces and uncaring attitudes. Let us take a look at some of the subtle characteristics of people hiding their mental health struggles.
.jpg)
Deteriorating Physical Health
Often, mental health is not seen at par with physical health, which is why conditions like depression are overlooked and left unaddressed.
A 2009 study suggests that mental illness may have a direct or indirect impact on physical health. It notes that depression has been linked to changes in cellular immunity, often resulting in reduced immune response and making one prone to infectious diseases. In addition, individuals with mental illness could be more likely to engage in behaviours that lead to physical illness. This includes poor self-care, less sleep, exercise less, poor diet, increased smoking, and use of more alcohol and other drugs.
Dr Praharaj says, “Depression can have physical consequences, including poor nutrition, weight loss, and worsening of other comorbid conditions through various mechanisms such as immune and endocrine pathways.”
Limited Social Interactions
According to Luthra, one of the major signs of depression is a tendency to withdraw from social interactions. This means that the person may prefer to stay home than venture out to meet people and indulge in adventures. This may be a subtle trait of someone trying to conceal their mental health struggles. They may avoid gatherings, social events, and even postpone meetings for friends and family.
Also Read: Mental Health Matters: What Are Anxiety Disorders? Explained
Negative Self-Talk
This practice involves having talks with one's inner self that is too self-critical. Research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, suggests, negative self-talk can take a toll on one's well-being and cognitive abilities.
Always Looking Tired
.jpg)
The WHO says "feeling very tired or low in energy" is one of the common traits of depression. According to a study published in the journal CNS Drugs, more than 90% of people struggling with depression experience fatigue.
Too Happy To Be True
People who have concealed depression are good at hiding their true emotions. They pretend to be happy by putting on a show of smiles and laughter, but in reality, they are swarmed by a whirlpool of emotions, experiencing profound sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness. This is also known as emotional masking.
Disinterest In Hobbies That Were Previously Of Interest
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, "loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities" is one of the sure-shot signs of depression. A person with depression is likely to lose interest in things that previously mattered to them. They tend to lose the ability to feel joy.
How To Provide Support
Dr Praharaj says, “It is essential to identify depression early and seek professional help.”
Most of the time, trained mental health professionals can diagnose clinical depression based on the history and examination of the patients, he says, adding, “Even in those who mask their emotions, some changes in behaviour will be apparent to others, which should prompt them to seek professional help.”
If you’re someone trying to help a person struggling with mental health, the doctor advises to be with them, make them feel comfortable, listen to their problems, and assist them in getting professional help.