Most people with depression don’t look like they’re depressed. In fact, many people with camouflaged depression look just like everyone else. They go to work, come home, and do their best to act like everything is okay. But on the inside, they’re struggling with a mental illness that’s slowly eating away at them.
What is Camouflaged Depression?
Camouflaged depression is a type of depression that’s not easy to spot. It often goes undetected because the symptoms are subtle and can easily be mistaken for something else. And because so few people understand what camouflaged depression is, it’s often overlooked or dismissed altogether.
In addition, people with camouflaged depression are often high-functioning and successful. They’re able to mask their depression with a happy exterior, which makes it even harder to spot. This is similar to sad-clown syndrome.
Camouflaged Depression Signs
While camouflaged depression is often difficult to detect, there are some telltale signs that may indicate someone is struggling with this type of depression. Here are 13 of them.
They’re Always Tired
People with camouflaged depression are often exhausted, both mentally and physically. They may not be able to get out of bed in the morning, or they may find themselves struggling to stay awake during the day.
This fatigue can be caused by a number of things, including sleep problems, anxiety, and depression. In addition, people with camouflaged depression may not have the energy to do things they once enjoyed.
They Isolate Themselves
Another common symptom of camouflaged depression is isolation. People with this type of depression may start to withdraw from friends and family. They may stop going out, cancel plans, and stop participating in activities they once enjoyed.
This isolation can be a way to protect themselves from being hurt or rejected. In addition, it can be difficult for people with camouflaged depression to be around others when they’re feeling so down.
They’re Perfectionists
Many people with camouflaged depression are perfectionists. They strive for excellence in everything they do and are always looking for ways to improve. This need for perfection can be exhausting and often leads to burnout.
It can also be a way for people with camouflaged depression to avoid making mistakes or being seen as imperfect as well as a way to cope with the low self-esteem that often accompanies this mental illness.
They’re Workaholics
While not all people with camouflaged depression are workaholics, many of them are. They may find themselves working long hours, taking on extra projects, and sacrificing their personal lives for their careers. This can be a way to avoid dealing with their depression as well as a way to distract themselves from how they’re really feeling.
They’re Control Freaks
One of the hallmarks of camouflaged depression is a need for control. People with this type of depression may try to control everything in their lives, from their work to their relationships.
This need for control can be a way to compensate for the feelings of helplessness and hopelessness that often accompany this mental illness. In addition, it can be a way to avoid making mistakes or being faced with difficult situations.
They’re Always Busy
Another common symptom of camouflaged depression is a need to stay busy. People with this type of depression may fill their days with work, errands, and other obligations. They may not allow themselves time to rest or relax. This can be a way to avoid dealing with their depression as well as a way to distract themselves from how they’re really feeling.
They’re Good at Hiding Their Feelings
One of the most difficult things about camouflaged depression is that it can be difficult to spot. This is because people with this type of depression are often good at hiding their feelings. They may put on a brave face, even when they’re feeling down. This can make it difficult for others to know when they need help.
They’ve Lost Interest in Things They Once Enjoyed
One of the major signs of camouflaged depression is a loss of interest in things that once brought joy. This may include hobbies, activities, and even relationships. This loss of interest can be a result of the fatigue and isolation that often accompany this mental illness. In addition, it can be a way to cope with the low self-esteem that often accompanies camouflaged depression.
They Can be Irritable and Short-Tempered
Another common symptom of camouflaged depression is irritability. People with this type of depression may find themselves snapping at friends and family, even over small things. They may also have a short temper and be quick to anger. This irritability can be a result of the low self-esteem and anxiety that often accompany camouflaged depression.
They’ve Experienced a Major Life Change
Many people with camouflaged depression have experienced a major life change, such as a divorce, the death of a loved one, or a job loss. This life change can be a trigger for this mental illness. In addition, it can be a way to cope with the low self-esteem that often accompanies camouflaged depression.
They Find it Hard to Connect with Others
People with camouflaged depression often find it hard to connect with others. They may feel like they’re on the outside looking in, even with close friends and family. This isolation can be a result of the low self-esteem and anxiety that often accompany this mental illness. In addition, it can be a way to cope with the feelings of sadness and despair that often accompany camouflaged depression.
They Want to Sleep All the Time
One of the most common symptoms of this type of depression is fatigue. People with this type of depression may find themselves wanting to sleep all the time. This fatigue can be a result of the low self-esteem and anxiety that often accompany this mental illness. In addition, it can be a way to cope with the feelings of sadness and despair that often accompany camouflaged depression.
They Might Self-Medicate
Finally, many people with camouflaged depression self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. This is often a way to cope with the low self-esteem, anxiety, and isolation that often accompany this mental illness. In addition, it can be a way to numb the pain of the feelings of sadness and despair that often accompany camouflaged depression.
How to Overcome Camouflaged Depression
If you think you or someone you know might be struggling with this depression, there are a few things you can do to get help.
First, it’s important to reach out to a trusted friend or family member. This can be a difficult thing to do, but it’s important to have someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through.
Second, it’s important to see a mental health professional. This is someone who can help you understand your symptoms and develop a plan to address them.
Finally, it’s important to find a support group. This is a group of people who are going through similar experiences. This can be a great way to find support and understanding.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know is struggling with this type of depression, it’s important to get help. There are many resources available to you. With the right support, you can overcome this mental illness and live a happy and fulfilling life. In fact, many people with camouflaged depression find that their symptoms improve with treatment. So don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
FAQ – Camouflaged Depression
What is the definition of masked depression?
Camouflaged depression is a form of depression that is not easily recognized as such. People with this depression may seem to be functioning well on the surface, but underneath they are struggling with symptoms of depression.
Is masking a mental illness?
Masking is not a mental illness, but it can be a symptom of one. People with camouflaged depression may mask their symptoms in order to avoid detection or to appear to be functioning well.
Can you mask clinical depression?
Clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a mental illness characterized by persistent and severe symptoms of depression. People with clinical depression may mask their symptoms in order to avoid detection or to appear to be functioning well.
