Why do some people cover up the symptoms of depression? Discover the symptoms that may indicate hidden depression and how to help those who are in this situation.
Many people have a very general idea of what it means to suffer from depression. In fact, it is often believed that this disorder involves being very sad or crying constantly. Although these are symptoms that are really part of depression, the reality is that this pathology has many more nuances than we think. For this reason, on many occasions we talk about the covert depression since those who suffer from it believe they do not have a depressive disorder due to the beliefs and myths that usually thrive around this condition.
The covert depression, also called hidden, implies that those who suffer from this disorder are usually conditioned to try to ‘hide’ some of their own habits that they believe are part of this disorder. Although in front of others, these people appear smiling, in reality they try to show the world that they are fine even though inside they are suffering from depression. In many cases they may cover up their disorder so as not to worry their loved ones or because they feel ashamed of being faced with this disorder.
Symptoms of covert depression
Some of the symptoms that may indicate that someone may be suffering from a covert depression are the following:
Sleeping too much or too little: Although the people try to cover up their depression, one of the first effects that may indicate that you are suffering from this disorder is precisely the lack of energy to carry out your daily tasks. In fact, most people who suffer from this disorder may have their daily sleep and rest affected. So much so that they may sleep too much or too little due to the effects of the other symptoms of depression.
Diet changes and weight fluctuations: Research shows that depression influences appetite because it affects the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone can make people feel less like eating or, on the contrary, eat in large quantities. In the latter case, this is because people may try to compensate for feelings of sadness through the desire to eat foods that release feel-good neurotransmitters.
Drink more alcohol: Some people who suffer from depression may drink more alcohol because this drink triggers the release of endorphins, which relieve both stress and pain. Although at first you may have this affect, the reality is that this type of coping behavior can become counterproductive, since it ends up increasing many of the symptoms of depression when you are not under the influence of these drinks.
Force smiles: Having an overly positive attitude or constantly trying to be happy can be another sign that you may be facing a hidden depression For example, some of the signs that may indicate this are when a person ignores his own sadness or simply changes the subject. This could mean that he feels some discomfort expressing how he really feels.
Changes in the way you express yourself: Studies have shown that people with depression tend to use ‘I’ or any self-focused word more because they are in an introspective state most of the time. On the other hand, they tend to use more absolutist terms such as ‘always’ or ‘never’ without seeing the gray nuances in different situations. This is because depression often distorts our thinking patterns, which can cause people to have a different view of the world.
Asking for help and then denying it: The people with hidden depression They can deal with what is called a ‘vulnerability hangover’, that is, sharing what is really happening to them only to feel uncomfortable, guilty or ashamed of what they have said. This ends up causing them to deny their own feelings and end up not seeking help from others or from the hands of a therapist.
Have intense feelings: Depression creates sudden changes in our mood, including increased irritability, sadness, nervousness, tension, panic, or even crying or panic attacks. When faced with covert depression, many men also tend to experience greater irritability, aggressiveness and anger, while women tend to be more prone to sadness and crying.
Pessimistic outlook on life: People who suffer from depression can experience what is called ‘depressive realism’, which implies that they have a more realistic view of the world and the role they have in it, giving a lot of importance to the negative aspects of the insignificant aspect that can be assumed. our existence if compared to great events in the world.
Excess perfectionism and self-criticism: Although perfectionism can bring out the best in people in some cases, when a person is dealing with depression and tends to be a perfectionist, they may end up being overly critical of themselves.
Loss of interest in what they enjoyed: Another sign that may indicate that a person has hidden depression is that they end up losing interest in those activities that they used to enjoy before. That is, they may even avoid doing them because it exhausts them mentally or physically.
These are some of the signs that may indicate that a person is dealing with covert depression Given this, it is important that you recommend going to therapy or trying to talk about it. Emotional support in these cases is vital for the person to decide to act before this disorder.
