People may become engrossed in work, school, or personal projects to distract themselves from feelings of sadness or emptiness.
They may have perfectionistic tendencies, setting unrealistically high standards for themselves as a way to feel some control over their emotional state.
Isolation
Although they may appear sociable, individuals with covert depression may actively withdraw from friends, family, or loved ones, feeling detached or unwilling to let others see their true feelings.
They may also cancel plans or avoid social gatherings, often citing excuses such as being too busy or tired.
Numb with substances or activities
To cope with their feelings, they may turn to substances such as alcohol, drugs, or even food as a way to numb the emotional pain.
Others may engage in compulsive behaviors such as binge-watching TV shows, playing video games excessively, or spending too much time on social media to escape their thoughts.
Overcompensating with humor or charm
Many people with covert depression may use humor as a defense mechanism, appearing overly cheerful or jovial even when they are suffering internally.
They may be seen as the "life of the party," but this is often a way to hide their vulnerability.
Chronic Fatigue
Although they may appear able-bodied on the outside, people with covert depression may experience persistent fatigue and feel mentally and physically drained.
They may avoid sleeping at night or wake up feeling exhausted even after a full night's sleep, often due to the stress taking a toll on their bodies.
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Difficulty Asking for Help
People with covert depression often feel ashamed of their feelings or believe that others won't understand their struggle.
As a result, they may not seek professional help, or they may hide their symptoms when talking to a therapist or doctor, making it difficult for them to get the support they need.
Self-Criticism and Guilt
Covert depression is often accompanied by a strong inner critic. Individuals may constantly blame themselves for not being "good enough" or for not fulfilling their potential.
They may feel intense guilt for not being able to "snap out of it" or may be even harsher on themselves because they view their struggles as a weakness.
Difficulty Enjoying Activities
They may lose interest or feel apathetic toward hobbies or activities they once enjoyed.
This apathy can extend to personal relationships or daily activities, leaving them feeling detached and uninterested, even though they may still participate in these activities out of obligation.
Frequent Mood Swings
Hidden depression can lead to emotional instability, where a person may feel irritable, sad, or exhausted for no apparent reason.
These mood swings may be more subtle and may go unnoticed by others, further contributing to feelings of being misunderstood.
Sleep Disturbances
People with hidden depression may have difficulty falling or staying asleep, or waking up too early.
Alternatively, they may oversleep as a way to escape their feelings or to recharge after emotional exhaustion.
Physical Complaints
Depression can manifest physically, and individuals may complain of unexplained aches and pains, headaches, digestive problems, or other physical ailments that seem to have no clear cause.
These physical symptoms may be dismissed or misinterpreted as minor health problems, when in fact they are related to emotional distress.
Difficulty Making Decisions
Anxiety and depressive thoughts can impair the ability to make decisions. Even seemingly simple choices can feel overwhelming, leading to hesitation or procrastination.
Preoccupation with the Future
Some individuals may focus excessively on the future, constantly worrying about what might happen or feeling hopeless about what lies ahead. This may be a way to avoid facing current emotional pain.
Feeling Like a Burden
Deep down, they may feel like a burden to others, making them less willing to ask for help or express their feelings, further isolating themselves. If you notice these habits in yourself or a loved one, it's important to know that help is available. Recognizing the signs of hidden depression is the first step toward getting the support you need to deal with it and ultimately recover.
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How Your Sleeping Position Affects Your Health
Your sleeping position can significantly impact your overall health. While the ideal sleeping position varies depending on individual preferences and health conditions, each position has unique effects on the body. Here's how different sleeping positions affect your health:
Sleeping on Your Back (Supine Position)
Pros:
Spinal Alignment: Sleeping on your back with your head, neck, and spine naturally aligned is generally beneficial for spinal health. This position helps maintain the natural curve of the spine and reduces pressure points.
