Depression is a word that is used on a daily basis in our society to describe moments when we feel sadness and discouragement, but do we really understand what depression is and if we can be suffering from it and not realize it?
When we talk about depression we are not talking about normal sadness, we are talking about a set of confused emotions which do not allow us to function in any of the areas of our lives with clarity and energy, characterized by uncontrollable episodes of sadness and demotivation, loss of pleasure for things that used to give it, decreased sleep and appetite among others.
Many times we can suffer from depression and not realizing it or simply decide not to accept its existence. In this case, this type of depression is known as «masked depression» and refers to when the person is aware of what they feel but decides to hide it for fear of what people will say and/or the beliefs acquired in relation to how emotions should be assumed.
In the same way, an unconscious way of hiding the symptoms can occur, where the individual generates a disconnection from their emotional reality, diminishing it, taking what they feel as fleeting or not important. This persons will not verbalize what they are experiencing with their immediate environment or ask for help thinking that they can fix it on their own.
In masked depression, emotional symptoms that become physical are observed, such as somatizations or organic discomfort and even behavioral changes. But, how to identify the habits that people with camouflaged depression use to hide their symptoms?
Usage masks and camouflage techniques to appear and project an image of success, happiness and fulfillment. To do this, they learn to manage a lifestyle that does not attract attention and use lies to describe their emotional states, with an » Im always fine»
Use «methods» to escape from reality. Parties, drugs, alcohol, toxic relationships etc.
Isolation from social events, family and friends.
Coping techniques. They learn to generate “self-help” techniques to feel better when they are down, which helps them momentarily stay afloat.
To achieve emotional health, we must learn to know ourselves and understand what we feel, learn to express it, but also to seek help to heal it. As we have realized in recent years, depression is the number one cause of suicide in the world, and it is real, painful, and changes the way the sufferer sees the world. We must be aware that time is everything when suffering from this disease, and starting to treat it on time can be a life or death decision. Let’s be more aware and sensitive to what the other is going through, Let’s ask ourselves questions about whether our loved one is suffering from mental illness or depression, and let’s support without judging.
Remember that on your path of healing and emotional balance you are not alone. A thousand questions will come, don’t be afraid to ask them. You will feel confusion and frustration, do not be afraid to face your fears or try to help someone in need.
If you want to know more about this topic or others related to mental health, I invite you to write to me and I will be happy to answer you as soon as possible.
Maria Alejandra
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