Most people's idea of depression is someone that is sad or someone that struggles to get out of bed in the morning. But depression is often unseen and undiagnosed. But many people suffer from concealed depression. Concealed depression is when a person with depression may be able to hide their symptoms well. Those who suffer from concealed depression feel an emptiness and isolation that goes unnoticed.
Depression has many faces. It's not only looking sad, but most of the time it’s the people that seem happy and smiling, the quiet person that you pass by every day, or the funny person that always makes others laugh.
People with concealed depression mask their pain and struggles. Most people cover up how they feel and don’t want to be a burden to others. They may seem to have it all together but on the inside their fighting with different emotions.
It may seem like there's no reason to be sad. They go to work, go to school, and take care of their family. They are smiling and cheerful when you meet them. But they put on a mask while living a normal life. Another name for concealed depression is “smiling depression.” But the closest technical term is atypical depression (also called major depression with atypical features).
In general, it is hard to spot people suffering from depression. Depression is a silent killer. Signs and symptoms are different for everyone. But the most common signs and symptoms are no interest in activities they once loved, constantly saying “I’m fine” when they clearly aren’t, depression that temporarily lifts in response to good news or positive events, sensitivity to rejection or criticism, feelings of sadness, low self-esteem, sleeping too much or too little, lack of appetite or /overeating and, sometimes, suicidal thoughts.
Depression is an ongoing battle, and at times can occur throughout someone's life. If you or someone you know suffer from depression don’t ignore it. If they are showing signs of depression, keep them close, don’t give up on them, check on them.
Reach out and talk to someone you trust or speak with a counselor/therapist or helpline.