Have you heard of terms like “smiling depression,” “high functioning depression,” or “hidden depression”? This type of depression occurs when a depressed person tries to hide their suffering and feelings from others, as the names suggest. They appear to be cheerful, happy, and full of hope, leading those around them to believe they are fine when, in fact, they are lonely and depressed. Here are seven warning signs that everyone should be aware of in order to determine whether our loved ones or friends are simply attempting to conceal their pain on their own.
They Are Sleeping Too Much, Or Less
If you notice your friends or loved ones acting strangely lately; they lack energy or have eye bags, they are most likely having difficulty sleeping due to insomnia and overthinking.
According to sleep research, depression is known to interfere with restful sleep. It also demonstrates that it can keep people from falling, staying, or getting out of bed in the morning. People suffering from depression frequently sleep less — or even more — than usual.
See Also: 5 Reasons Why You’re Having Trouble Sleeping & How to Fix Them
Poor Diet And Loss Of Appetite
Depression may also cause a change in appetite, according to research, due to an increase in the stress hormone cortisol in the system. Some people may have a decreased desire to eat because food no longer tastes good to them, or because they aren’t craving anything in particular.
Some people who are struggling mentally lose weight on a regular basis and have very weak body muscles.
Several studies have found that eating more fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, and whole grains, as well as fewer sweets, processed foods, and fried foods, can help you to deal with depression.
See Also: How to Get Better With Natural Help for Depression
They Exert Too Much Intensity On Their Emotions
Because of how much they are feeling inside, many people suffering from depression will often feel things more intensely than usual. Depressed people are more prone to crying, being upset, and becoming easily irritated.
They also experience mood swings, in which they appear to be very nice and gentle to others before becoming angry and easily irritated.
They Are Being Less Optimistic
Do your once-optimistic friends have suddenly turned negative and become overly concerned about trivial matters?
It’s because a person is afraid to share their dark thoughts. After all, they are internally struggling with them. Because of these thoughts, they may adopt a more nihilistic perspective, making them less optimistic about the future.
According to 2022 research, individuals with depression were less optimistic about experiencing positive life events in the future, but there was little difference in updating these beliefs compared to healthy controls. (Hobbs et al., 2022)
See Also: Best Ways To Be Productive When You’re Uninspired – 2023
They Are Obsessed By Being The Best
According to experts, depression can rob us of our ability to enjoy the simple things in life, which is why depressed people are always striving for the most attention and spotlight from others. According to one study, people who are depressed frequently distract themselves by working hard in their field to forget their feelings of sadness and loneliness.
They Don’t Want To Ask For Help
Do your loved ones occasionally tell you that something is wrong, but when you ask, “What is it?”, they just said that it’s nothing and don’t mind it? It is because depressed people frequently conceal their feelings and problems on their own. They may also send some subtle pleas for assistance, which they promptly rejected.
Depressed people also tend to apologize for seeking help because they don’t want to burden others with their problems.
They Are Acting As A Happy Person
Even when they are struggling, depressed people force themselves to appear happy and cheerful. They probably don’t want others to see them cry or be sad, and in some cases, the brighter the smile, the deeper the depression.
If someone dismisses their sadness or changes the subject, it may indicate that they are uncomfortable expressing their true feelings or are in denial about their experience.
Spend more time with a friend or family member if you suspect they are suffering from hidden depression. It’s difficult to keep up a happy face all the time, and little hints of their true feelings will eventually show through.
