Are You Suffering from a Hidden Depression?

Hidden depression is something that is not often talked about. This is a worrying fact when we consider that cases of depression have increased more than most other illnesses and conditions worldwide. However, the symptoms often go unnoticed, even for the person who is suffering from them.

There may be many people in the world who really need help, but haven’t yet realised it. The trouble is that a problematic mental or emotional condition tends to become more complex and acute if it isn’t treated in time. And apart from that are all the side effects that this generates in the person’s social and physical health.

It is important that you do not overlook the feelings of lack of acceptance or disappointment, when they are ongoing. Don’t consider these to be an enemy. They could be warning you about a deeper problem. Neither should you ignore the following signs, which are typical symptoms of hidden depression.

Wanting to stay in routine, a sign of hidden depression

People tend to formulate routines to make their lives easier, especially to simplify tasks that are more routine by nature. If each day were completely different from the previous one, we would spend too much mental energy having to constantly adapt. Routine is positive for those simple actions that don’t need a new approach or angle. It is also quite normal that we should look for stability in the most important aspects of our lives.

Our routine becomes problematic when it causes boredom or when everything becomes stagnant. There may be hidden depression if living with a routine doesn’t generate well-being in our lives. And also when any change creates aversion or irritates you. There are problems if your attitude is to just let time go by due to lack of interest or lack of trust in changes around us.

Resorting to lying frequently

Those who frequently lie about simple issues related to their lives may have a hidden depression. When asked how they are, they always say they’re fine, even though this answer is far from the truth. If people comment on the fact they seem “lacklustre”, they will just say that they’re tired. They avoid talking about their true state of health and sometimes invent stories about what they do in their free time.

It is quite normal for them to make up some excuse when plans are being made. They are afraid of social gatherings, and even though their routine is tedious, they’re actually afraid of doing something different from normal. They don’t want others to know how they really are. They hide it deliberately because, deep down, they know something isn’t right and they want to keep it hidden.

Feeling uncomfortable when with other people

People with hidden depression tend to be lonely. Systematic isolation, without any real purpose, is an unmistakable sign that something is wrong with our emotions. In this case, it is not that they are shy or introverted people, but rather they feel annoyed at having someone by their side.

Most of the conversations they are involved in have the aroma of the superficial or the artificial, of something programmed and premeditated rather than natural. They only talk about general topics, ones that don’t involve them personally. If someone wants to know about their life, going beyond mere politeness and starting a relationship of trust, then they skirt around the conversation. They give off obvious signals that they don’t want to get close to anyone. They can be smiling and friendly, but they always put up a barrier when others try to get to know them more deeply.

Excessive consumption of stimulating substances

Another symptom that should alert us about a hidden depression is the consumption of certain stimulating substances. Those who suffer from this problem, without realizing it, seek to compensate for their feeling of emptiness and disinterest using chemical and biological stimuli that allow them to feel a little better.

They often start consuming alcohol, sugary foods or excess caffeine. These three substances provide a stimulation that is perceived as necessary. What gives away that there is something more than just a simple consumption is the frequency and quantity with which these substances are consumed.

With hidden depression other symptoms often appear. Among these are difficulty sleeping, changes in eating habits, a feeling of emptiness and abandonment, lack of interest in most activities and gastrointestinal discomfort.

If you know someone who shows some or many of these symptoms, you should keep an eye on them. Respect their privacy, but be affectionate and willing to listen and support them. If you suspect that you yourself might be suffering from a hidden depression, then take it very seriously. Sometimes small therapeutic actions are enough or some sort of brief therapy, to get rid of that discontent that is not allowing you to enjoy life.