Navigating the complexities of mental health can often be challenging, especially when a loved one is struggling. You might feel betrayed or hurt if you think a loved one is hiding their depression from you. However, a person may start hiding depression symptoms to avoid being judged or to maintain their appearance of being functional due to their own shame and stigma around the condition. This can make depression symptoms difficult to detect, even by those closest to them.
The Challenge of Hidden Depression
Functional depression, high-functioning depression, or smiling depression, are all the same term for when a person appears to be functioning in their daily life but is still struggling with depression internally. The stigma surrounding mental health often leads people to hide their symptoms, making it challenging for others to recognize when help is needed.
People with functional depression may have a hard time admitting they are struggling because they fear judgment or being perceived as weak. They may also feel pressure to maintain a certain image, such as being successful or happy, which can prevent them from seeking help. Some people might not even realize they have depression and are hiding it, as they might be disconnected from their emotions or assume that “everyone feels this way sometimes.”
Is Your Loved One Hiding Depression?
Recognizing depression, especially when it’s being concealed by a loved one, can be difficult. However, common signs of functional depression could be excessive tiredness or side comments about not feeling productive or “up to it.”
Remember, everyone experiences depression differently, and it is essential to approach the topic with empathy and understanding. Be mindful of any changes in your loved one’s behavior or mood, and encourage them to seek professional help.
Here are some signs that your loved one might be hiding their depression:
Maintaining a Facade
People with functional depression may put up a front of happiness or normalcy in social situations while struggling internally. However, you might see them make less small talk or be more quiet than usual while keeping a smile on their face.
Being More Tired than Usual
Someone with depression often has issues with sleep. Even if they’re quiet about their depression, they might go to bed earlier than usual, make comments about how tired they are, or mention that they’re not sleeping well.
Isolating Themselves More
Depression can make people feel like they’re alone and that no one understands them. Someone trying to hide their depression might spend more time alone, as they work through these feelings or simply get tired of keeping up the facade of seeming okay.
Not Being Able to Keep Up with Work or School
Difficulties with concentration, memory, and energy levels can lead to problems keeping up with their daily tasks. However, others might continue to excel at work or school, masking their inner turmoil by spending all their energy on their work.
Avoiding Vulnerability
Fear of judgment or stigma associated with mental health issues might have someone avoiding anything emotional at all, leaving them afraid that they’ll “let something slip.” Other people might just feel numb, unable to participate in both positive and negative feelings.
Engaging in Risky Behaviors
Some people with hidden depression may turn to substance use, compulsive behaviors, or risky activities to cope with their emotional pain.
Occasional Comments About Feeling Hopeless
Depression can make people feel helpless or hopeless. Even if they’re masking their symptoms well, they might let a comment or two slip about how “It’s not worth it,” “They’re not good enough,” or something similar.
How to Help Your Loved One with Depression
If you suspect that your loved one is hiding their depression, here are some ways you can support them and encourage them to seek help:
- Educate yourself about depression and its symptoms
- Approach the topic with empathy and understanding rather than judgment, saying that you’ve noticed them being a bit down and you’re here to listen if they want to talk
- Encourage them to find professional help, and offer to accompany them to therapy sessions or doctor appointments if they need extra support
- Be patient and understanding; recovery from any form of depression takes time
- Seek out your own mental health support through therapy, and if your partner has depression, consider couples therapy
At LightHeart Mental Health, we understand the complexities of functional depression. Our team of mental health professionals specializes in providing personalized treatments for people with depression, including therapy, medication management, and comprehensive support.
Call LightHeart Mental Health Today to Learn About Depression Treatment
If you suspect that your loved one may be hiding their depression, LightHeart Mental Health is here to offer guidance, support, and expert mental health services to our neighbors across the Seattle area. If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, fill out a brief form to reach out to our team of empathetic mental health care experts, or call 425.800.5688 to talk to an intake specialist now.