Bach Flower Advice

Personal Bach flowers remedy - Wizard

Content 50 ml

  • Recommended treatment

Fast delivery
Free shipping on orders of more than € 30.00

VAT included

Signs of depression under the radar

Signs of depression under the radar

It is not always obvious when someone is experiencing depression. Some people with depression mask their symptoms, hiding their feelings behind a smile to convince others they are happy.

This type of "under the radar" depression is often undetected because when we think about a depressed person, we tend to picture someone who appears very sad or cries a lot. And while sadness and frequent spells of crying are common symptoms of depression, not everyone who is depressed looks sad.

So whether you are the person who is working hard to convince the world that you are happy when you are not, or you are concerned that a loved one might be masking their pain, the following questions will help you to understand "under the radar" depression and what to do to help.

What are the signs of hidden depression?

1. Is there a change in appetite or weight?

A change in appetite, whether eating too much or too little, may indicate depression. Some individuals eat more for comfort, while others eat less because of a loss of appetite or a low mood.

These changes not only cause a person to lose or gain weight, but they can also affect energy levels and mood. And excess body fat may trigger increased inflammation, which can accelerate the development of symptoms of depression.

2. Is there a change in sleep habits?

Mood and sleep are closely connected. For example, not enough sleep may contribute to depression, while people who are depressed often find it more difficult to sleep.

On the other hand, if someone sleeps more than usual, that can also be a sign that they have hidden depression.

3. Is there a loss of interest in activities or hobbies?

A lack of interest in activities that someone formerly enjoyed is often one of the first signs of depression that family and friends notice. Bach Flowers Mix 65 can help you to be more attentive to life and drive away dark moods and thoughts of suicide.

4. Is the person using drugs or alcohol to mask their emotions?

Some people with hidden depression use drugs or alcohol to cope with negative emotions, such as loneliness, sadness, or hopelessness.

5. Does the person seem to be unusually tired?

Fatigue is a common sign of depression. While everyone feels tired at times, persistent or severe fatigue may be a symptom of "under the radar" depression.

6. Does their smile reach their eyes?

Hidden depression is sometimes called "smiling depression." People who disguise their depression sometimes smile and try to appear happy while in the company of others. But it can be challenging to maintain forced happiness. Once you know what to look for, you might notice that their smile doesn't reach their eyes, showing signs of hopelessness or sadness.

7. Are they less optimistic than others?

People with depression may display the trait of depressive realism - they are more pessimistic about events than others and are more realistic about what they can and cannot control. So being less optimistic than others can be a symptom of hidden depression, especially if combined with other signs.

8. Do they find it hard to stay focused?

Loss of concentration, for example, trailing off in a conversation or losing a train of thought, indicates problems with memory and focusing. In addition, these issues may worsen the impact of depression by making work and relationships more of a challenge.

9. Are there changes to physical health?

Depression can have physical consequences. As well as fatigue and weight changes, other physical symptoms of depression include chronic pain, digestive problems and headaches.

10. Have you noticed changes to their personality?

People with secret depression may have mood changes, becoming angry and irritable, or withdrawn and quiet.

11. Are they experiencing a loss of libido?

Depression is associated with various sexual problems, including loss of desire, sexual function and satisfaction. Reasons for a lower sex drive include fatigue, poor self-esteem, and a general loss of interest in pleasurable activities.

What to do if you think you or a loved one has secret depression?

If you believe that you might have "under the radar" depression, contact your doctor. They can make a diagnosis and suggest the most suitable treatment.

Ways in which you can help to manage depression yourself include:

  • Reducing stress with yoga, meditation or breathing exercises
  • Joining a support group
  • Eating regular meals
  • Exercising daily, especially outdoors
  • Socialising more - though this can be tricky with depression
  • Reaching out to family and friends for support
  • Engaging with hobbies or activities you used to enjoy

And if a loved one has "under the radar" depression?

If a family member or friend seems to be showing signs of masked depression, try talking to them about their symptoms while offering advice and non-judgmental support.

Supportive, positive actions include:

  • Encouraging them to seek treatment
  • Planning enjoyable outings or activities together
  • Exercising together
  • Accompanying them to appointments

In addition, it is challenging to care for someone with depression. So don't forget to practice self-care and look after your own well-being.

Does “under the radar” depression increase the risk of suicide?

While people with clinical depression may often lack sufficient energy to carry through a plan of suicide, those with "smiling depression" are at higher risk because they are generally higher functioning. As a result, they are more likely to follow through on suicidal thoughts. And because this type of depression is "under the radar", the condition is often left untreated, so it worsens over time and increases the chances of self-harm.

A final thought

Depression is a common and debilitating mental illness that can significantly impact an individual's social relationships and work. But hidden depression is a very treatable condition, and there is no need to be ashamed or suffer in silence. If you find that self-help measures aren't enough to improve your mood, do not hesitate to consult a physician or mental health professional.


Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/hidden-depression

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-smiling-depression-4775918

Created by Tom Vermeersch

Tom Vermeersch

Tom Vermeersch is a certified Psychologist and Bach flower expert with more than 30 years of experience.

Other articles

How to beat irrational anxieties

Irrational anxieties can seem overwhelming, affecting every aspect of your life. Learn how to beat your fears and worries and take back control.

Top 5 nonsensical reasons to have doubts about yourself

It happens to everyone at times: we start doubting ourselves. We worry about the decisions and whether we can face future challenges that life has in store. And sometimes we feel that we just aren't good enough.

What makes it so hard to go back to work?

Millions of people furloughed for months are now being recalled to work. Others, who have been working from home throughout the lockdown, are returning to the office. And some jobs have simply disappeared: many people are facing redundancy and will soon have to cope with job hunting. Going back to work after an unprecedented length of time at home is quite a challenge.

Even the brightest minds have setbacks!

We all want to be successful but many of us find the path to achieving our dreams is blocked by our fear of failure. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, go backpacking around the world or start up a new business, you need to accept that you might fail many times over before you achieve success.

Find out if you're suffering from imposter syndrome

Do you sometimes feel your achievements are not the result of your hard work and skill but are just luck? And do you fear that one day, someone will reveal you as an imposter or fraud? You might have imposter syndrome!

Stop worrying and live in the moment

People spend so much of their time regretting the past and worrying about the future. But it’s not worth it! Even what happened yesterday doesn't matter anymore! Let go of the past and the future and make the most of every moment.

Is it OCD? Find out!

While you often hear people joking that they have OCD because they like to keep their house clean and tidy, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can be a distressing and debilitating mental health condition with a wide range of symptoms.

Do you expect too much from others? Find out!

Most people are disappointed when others don't meet their expectations. But when you always expect too much, it isn't healthy, either for yourself or for others. If you often find yourself feeling let down by your loved ones or even by strangers, could it be that you have unrealistic ideas of how people should act?

How to spice up your life

Do you feel you're always doing the same things and not getting anywhere? It's common to feel stuck in a rut, treading water and just going through the motions.

What can you do if your kid doesn't want to go back to school?

What can you do if your kid doesn't want to go back to school? Here are our hints and tips to help if your child is expressing a refusal to go to school.

Signs of depression under the radar

Signs of depression under the radar
Signs of depression under the radar

It is not always obvious when someone is experiencing depression. Some people with depression mask their symptoms, hiding their feelings behind a smile to convince others they are happy.

This type of "under the radar" depression is often undetected because when we think about a depressed person, we tend to picture someone who appears very sad or cries a lot. And while sadness and frequent spells of crying are common symptoms of depression, not everyone who is depressed looks sad.

So whether you are the person who is working hard to convince the world that you are happy when you are not, or you are concerned that a loved one might be masking their pain, the following questions will help you to understand "under the radar" depression and what to do to help.

Bach flowers personal mix

Bach flowers personal mix:

  • Personal combination
  • Based on your symptoms and character
  • Bach flower remedy personally selected by Tom
  • Fast and good results
Discover how Personal Bach flowers remedy - Wizard can help you

What are the signs of hidden depression?

1. Is there a change in appetite or weight?

A change in appetite, whether eating too much or too little, may indicate depression. Some individuals eat more for comfort, while others eat less because of a loss of appetite or a low mood.

These changes not only cause a person to lose or gain weight, but they can also affect energy levels and mood. And excess body fat may trigger increased inflammation, which can accelerate the development of symptoms of depression.

2. Is there a change in sleep habits?

Mood and sleep are closely connected. For example, not enough sleep may contribute to depression, while people who are depressed often find it more difficult to sleep.

On the other hand, if someone sleeps more than usual, that can also be a sign that they have hidden depression.

3. Is there a loss of interest in activities or hobbies?

A lack of interest in activities that someone formerly enjoyed is often one of the first signs of depression that family and friends notice. Bach Flowers Mix 65 can help you to be more attentive to life and drive away dark moods and thoughts of suicide.

4. Is the person using drugs or alcohol to mask their emotions?

Some people with hidden depression use drugs or alcohol to cope with negative emotions, such as loneliness, sadness, or hopelessness.

5. Does the person seem to be unusually tired?

Fatigue is a common sign of depression. While everyone feels tired at times, persistent or severe fatigue may be a symptom of "under the radar" depression.

6. Does their smile reach their eyes?

Hidden depression is sometimes called "smiling depression." People who disguise their depression sometimes smile and try to appear happy while in the company of others. But it can be challenging to maintain forced happiness. Once you know what to look for, you might notice that their smile doesn't reach their eyes, showing signs of hopelessness or sadness.

7. Are they less optimistic than others?

People with depression may display the trait of depressive realism - they are more pessimistic about events than others and are more realistic about what they can and cannot control. So being less optimistic than others can be a symptom of hidden depression, especially if combined with other signs.

8. Do they find it hard to stay focused?

Loss of concentration, for example, trailing off in a conversation or losing a train of thought, indicates problems with memory and focusing. In addition, these issues may worsen the impact of depression by making work and relationships more of a challenge.

9. Are there changes to physical health?

Depression can have physical consequences. As well as fatigue and weight changes, other physical symptoms of depression include chronic pain, digestive problems and headaches.

10. Have you noticed changes to their personality?

People with secret depression may have mood changes, becoming angry and irritable, or withdrawn and quiet.

11. Are they experiencing a loss of libido?

Depression is associated with various sexual problems, including loss of desire, sexual function and satisfaction. Reasons for a lower sex drive include fatigue, poor self-esteem, and a general loss of interest in pleasurable activities.

What to do if you think you or a loved one has secret depression?

If you believe that you might have "under the radar" depression, contact your doctor. They can make a diagnosis and suggest the most suitable treatment.

Ways in which you can help to manage depression yourself include:

  • Reducing stress with yoga, meditation or breathing exercises
  • Joining a support group
  • Eating regular meals
  • Exercising daily, especially outdoors
  • Socialising more - though this can be tricky with depression
  • Reaching out to family and friends for support
  • Engaging with hobbies or activities you used to enjoy

And if a loved one has "under the radar" depression?

If a family member or friend seems to be showing signs of masked depression, try talking to them about their symptoms while offering advice and non-judgmental support.

Supportive, positive actions include:

  • Encouraging them to seek treatment
  • Planning enjoyable outings or activities together
  • Exercising together
  • Accompanying them to appointments

In addition, it is challenging to care for someone with depression. So don't forget to practice self-care and look after your own well-being.

Does “under the radar” depression increase the risk of suicide?

While people with clinical depression may often lack sufficient energy to carry through a plan of suicide, those with "smiling depression" are at higher risk because they are generally higher functioning. As a result, they are more likely to follow through on suicidal thoughts. And because this type of depression is "under the radar", the condition is often left untreated, so it worsens over time and increases the chances of self-harm.

A final thought

Depression is a common and debilitating mental illness that can significantly impact an individual's social relationships and work. But hidden depression is a very treatable condition, and there is no need to be ashamed or suffer in silence. If you find that self-help measures aren't enough to improve your mood, do not hesitate to consult a physician or mental health professional.


Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/hidden-depression

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-smiling-depression-4775918


Marie Pure

Other articles


How to beat irrational anxieties

How to beat irrational anxieties

Irrational anxieties can seem overwhelming, affecting every aspect of your life. Learn how to beat your fears and worries and take back control.

Read the complete article

Top 5 nonsensical reasons to have doubts about yourself

Top 5 nonsensical reasons to have doubts about yourself

It happens to everyone at times: we start doubting ourselves. We worry about the decisions and whether we can face future challenges that life has in store. And sometimes we feel that we just aren't good enough.

Read the complete article

What makes it so hard to go back to work

What makes it so hard to go back to work?

Millions of people furloughed for months are now being recalled to work. Others, who have been working from home throughout the lockdown, are returning to the office. And some jobs have simply disappeared: many people are facing redundancy and will soon have to cope with job hunting. Going back to work after an unprecedented length of time at home is quite a challenge.

Read the complete article

Even the brightest minds have setbacks!

Even the brightest minds have setbacks!

We all want to be successful but many of us find the path to achieving our dreams is blocked by our fear of failure. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, go backpacking around the world or start up a new business, you need to accept that you might fail many times over before you achieve success.

Read the complete article

Find out if you're suffering from imposter syndrome

Find out if you're suffering from imposter syndrome

Do you sometimes feel your achievements are not the result of your hard work and skill but are just luck? And do you fear that one day, someone will reveal you as an imposter or fraud? You might have imposter syndrome!

Read the complete article

Stop worrying and live in the moment

Stop worrying and live in the moment

People spend so much of their time regretting the past and worrying about the future. But it’s not worth it! Even what happened yesterday doesn't matter anymore! Let go of the past and the future and make the most of every moment.

Read the complete article

Is it OCD Find out!

Is it OCD? Find out!

While you often hear people joking that they have OCD because they like to keep their house clean and tidy, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can be a distressing and debilitating mental health condition with a wide range of symptoms.

Read the complete article

Do you expect too much from others Find out!

Do you expect too much from others? Find out!

Most people are disappointed when others don't meet their expectations. But when you always expect too much, it isn't healthy, either for yourself or for others. If you often find yourself feeling let down by your loved ones or even by strangers, could it be that you have unrealistic ideas of how people should act?

Read the complete article

How to spice up your life

How to spice up your life

Do you feel you're always doing the same things and not getting anywhere? It's common to feel stuck in a rut, treading water and just going through the motions.

Read the complete article

What can you do if your kid doesn't want to go back to school

What can you do if your kid doesn't want to go back to school?

What can you do if your kid doesn't want to go back to school? Here are our hints and tips to help if your child is expressing a refusal to go to school.

Read the complete article

Bach Flowers are not medicinal but harmless plant extracts which are used to support health.

© 2024 Mariepure - Webdesign Publi4u

Free personal advice for your problem?

Are you unsure which Bach flowers can help you? Contact Tom for free advice.

tom vermeersch
Tom Vermeersch

Yes, I want free advice

No thanks, I will do my own research