How hidden depression may be harmful to your health

People may recognize certain symptoms of depression in others, but not everyone will show the signs we typically associate with this mental illness. Sometimes, some individuals may show no external signs at all, keeping their internal experience concealed from others. This is sometimes called “hidden depression.” 

Someone who is hiding their depression may experience fatigue, social withdrawal, and extreme sadness while giving the external impression that things are going well and that they are feeling fine. Some may go about their day with a smile, while feeling miserable on the inside. In this article, we’ll explore hidden depression and its possible harmful effects.

Potential risks of hidden depression

Also known as smiling or walking depression, hidden depression can be hard to spot, as the individual with it may conceal, deny, or ignore their feelings, not wanting others to know they are hurting. However, keeping these feelings to yourself without seeking help may bring a range of health risks. Included below are a few possible risks of concealing depression symptoms.

Suppressing your emotions may become a habit

Some people with hidden depression may think their feelings are not important or worry that others may see their depression as a weakness. However, hiding your emotions may lead to an unhealthy habit of keeping too much to yourself, which may have an overall negative effect on your emotional well-being. Instead of resolving, the feelings you have may get stronger and more disruptive as you bottle them up. 

Keeping things bottled up may lead to explosive behavior

People may develop emotional issues and anger when keeping feelings of depression to themselves. Some people may grow bitter, which may lead to unhealthy thoughts, feelings, and actions. Others may notice your uneasiness and may not attribute it to depression; they may keep their distance to avoid being on the receiving end of an outburst.

Feelings of loneliness may intensify

Depression can bring feelings of loneliness, but when you are hiding your feelings from others, that feeling of isolation may intensify. You may feel even more alone because no one else knows what you are really going through. People with hidden depression may not want others to sense something is wrong, so they may choose to withdraw even further. 

Someone hiding their feelings of depression may also put on a brave face in some situations so that others are not able to sense their depression. This may further add to the loneliness, as they will feel alone with their feelings and un-seen even when around other people. 

 Your physical wellness may be at risk

Common symptoms of depression include fatigue, lack of focus, and loss of interest in activities. Some people experience physical symptoms like cramps, digestive problems, headaches, aches, unexplained physical pain, and other complications. Holding your feelings inside for too long can become an extremely uncomfortable situation for your body, as well as your mind. 

You may have low energy and changes in sleep habits

Getting too much or too little sleep is a common symptom of depression. Someone concealing their feelings may feel tired and have low energy levels. Insomnia or wanting to stay in bed most of the day isn’t out of the question when you’re experiencing symptoms of depression or another mental health condition. Sometimes it is difficult to fall asleep at night knowing something is bothering you while trying to ignore it. 

While energy may affect a person’s ability to complete tasks, it may also affect the type of energy they display when around others. It may take more to act as if nothing is wrong or to pretend things are fine. If you lack sleep and energy, it may lead to expressing negative energy such as acting irritable around others.

Your eating habits may change

Changes in appetite and eating habits are common with depression. Sometimes, people may try to cope with their emotions by using food as comfort. Others may experience a loss of appetite or too little energy to prepare and consume meals. Eating habits may be all over the place from skipping meals to consuming large amounts of unhealthy foods. Such actions may lead to sudden weight gain or weight loss. 

Substance use may increase

If someone is hiding their depression and not seeking treatment, they may feel desperate to find ways to cope with the pain they’re feeling on their own, and it can be common for some individuals with depression to use alcohol or drugs to try to self-medicate. Using drugs and alcohol to try to deal with emotions may lead to addiction, physical harm, and irreversible damage. 

Both drugs and alcohol may lead to escalating emotions in social settings leading to physical or emotional conflict. For someone who is depressed or hiding their symptoms, they may experience bodily damage such as liver disease or heart failure if excess substance use exists on a continued basis.

Note: If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources.

Risk of harm to yourself may increase

Another possible symptom of depression is feelings of despair and worthlessness, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts or actions. Someone who is hiding their depression and not seeking treatment may be at increased risk for these symptoms, as untreated depression may increase the risk of suicide. 

If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988 and is available 24/7.

Help is available for hidden depression

If you are experiencing depression, help is available, and you do not have to face it alone. If you are hesitant to seek treatment for your depression because you feel a sense of shame or embarrassment—know that depression is nothing to be ashamed of. You may find that speaking with a therapist from the comfort of home feels a bit easier and less intimidating. With online therapy, you don’t have to travel to an in-person appointment and worry about encountering people you know along the way—you can do it from wherever you have an internet connection. 

There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of online therapy for concerns including depression. For instance, one such study concluded that “online treatment can be beneficial for people with depression, particularly for those with moderate symptoms.”