Many people try to conceal their depression in life. Some people with hidden depression can hide their depression, cover up their symptoms, and smile at others.
Those with hidden depression or a predisposition to depression often do not want to understand the severity of their depression. They believe that as long as they continue to live in their own way, the depression will disappear on its own. In very few cases, this may actually work. But for most people, it will only prolong the feelings of sadness and loneliness.
Hiding true feelings and dealing with the “black dog of depression” is how many of us grew up – we don’t want to talk about our feelings, we don’t want to bother others with our problems. But if your friends or family members are trying to hide their depression, these signs might help you uncover what they are trying to hide.
People with real depression have these 6 characteristics! Especially the third one, which is the most heartbreaking!
1. They have abnormal sleep patterns.
When someone seemingly changes their sleep patterns significantly, this often indicates that something is not right. Sleep is the foundation of physical and mental health. When a person suffers from insomnia every day (or sleeps excessively), this may be a manifestation of hidden depression.
Others try to numb themselves with food and alcohol. Binge eating can help a lost person feel physically satisfied, which in turn can help them not feel emotional emptiness. Drinking can help them mask the sadness and loneliness that often accompany depression. Sometimes a person might go to the other extreme – losing interest in eating and drinking anything, as they think it’s meaningless or doesn’t bring them joy.
2. They put on a smile and always make excuses.
We’ve all seen those who try hard to put on a smiling face. It’s a mask we sometimes put on. But most of the time, the longer you spend with those wearing this mask, the thinner it gets. That’s why most people with hidden depression prefer solitude over spending more time with others. They always seem to have a quick and ready excuse to decline a walk, a meal, or a meeting.
It’s difficult to see the joy behind the masks worn by those with depression. Sometimes you might catch a glimpse of it in a moment or during a quiet conversation with them.
3. They may engage in more philosophical conversations.
When you finally uncover a person who conceals their depression, you might find that the topics of conversation have changed to ones they don’t usually discuss, such as philosophy. This could include discussions about the meaning of life, or the heights they have reached in their lifetime. They may be open enough to admit that they have occasionally had thoughts of self-harm or even suicide. They might share the long road in life that leads to happiness.
These topics may indicate that the person is struggling psychologically with dark thoughts they dare not share.
4. They may seek help, then eventually back out.
People with hidden depression always strive to keep this secret hidden. Sometimes, they give up the struggle of concealing their true feelings and reach out to someone for help. Their first step might even be to schedule an appointment with a doctor or therapist, and a few might even bring it up in the first session.
But when they wake up the next day, they realize they have gone too far. Seeking help for their depression is equivalent to admitting that they truly have depression. And this is the viewpoint that those with hidden depression struggle with internally and are unwilling to admit. No one wants to show their weaknesses to others.
5. They are more sensitive than normal people.
Those who hide their depression are often more sensitive than other normal people. For example, someone who usually doesn’t cry while watching TV shows or movies might suddenly burst into tears while watching a moving play. Or a mild-tempered person might suddenly feel uncontrollable anger because of a driver overtaking them. Or a person who usually doesn’t express their love might suddenly tell you they love you.
It’s like they tightly lock away all their downcast emotions in a box, which makes it more likely for other emotions to leak out from the edges of the box.
6. They may view things more negatively.
Psychologists call this phenomenon depressive realism, and there is research that shows it indeed exists. When a person is suffering the torment of depression, they may have a more realistic view of the world around them. On the other hand, normal individuals tend to be more optimistic and may have expectations that do not align with their actual environment. Compared to people with depression, those without it generally think they are doing a better job than they actually are.
Sometimes concealing this kind of depressive reality can be difficult, as the attitude differences may be subtle and not reach the level of “depression.” After failing four times, they might say, “Well, I’ll work hard for the promotion, but I doubt I’ll get it,” instead of saying, “I really believe I can get the promotion!”
So, are there any foods that can prevent and alleviate depression?
Red heart grapefruit has a strong aroma that can clear cluttered thoughts and uplift spirits. Moreover, the high level of vitamin C in grapefruit helps maintain red blood cell concentration, enhance the body’s resistance, and combat stress. Most importantly, in producing dopamine and norepinephrine, vitamin C is one of the important components.
Cherries are referred to as the natural aspirin by Western doctors. This is because cherries contain a substance called anthocyanin, which can create happiness. Scientists at the University of Michigan believe that eating 20 cherries when feeling down is more effective than taking any medication.
