11 Signs Someone Is Secretly Depressed

6 – Their Sleeping, Eating, Or Drinking Habits Have Changed

If someone displays a drastic change in their eating or sleeping patterns, something is wrong. Our physical and mental health depends on a healthy diet and proper sleep. So if a person has trouble sleeping or is sleeping way more than usual, it could be a sign of hidden depression. People with depression may also lose interest in food; or go the opposite direction: trying to cope by overeating or binge drinking. It might provide relief temporarily, but these habits can cause severe long-term damage.

7 – They May Talk More Philosophically Than Usual

If someone’s quietly suffering from depression, you might notice their conversation topics turn more philosophical. Depression often causes people to ponder things like the meaning or purpose of their life and the weight or absence of their accomplishments.

They might bring up topics related to happiness and the search for it or a desire to change their life path. If they feel comfortable enough and open up to you, they might even reveal having dark thoughts of wanting to hurt themselves or even death. Talking about these kinds of topics is a clear sign that someone’s struggling internally.

8 – They Seek External Validation

People with concealed depression tend to be hyperaware of both their positive and negative traits. They are often perfectionists who struggle to accept their weaknesses and failures – and they expect others not to accept them, either. So, they strive to be perfect as a way to gain affection and external validation. They worry that if their imperfections are exposed, others will no longer love and accept them.

9 – They Struggle With Abandonment

Depression is a heavy emotional burden for those who experience it, and for their loved ones. Since depression causes struggles in one’s social life, it’s not uncommon for others to leave them behind. And while those exiting the relationship can’t be blamed, it can still cause a sense of abandonment. Thus, people with depression often hide their emotional state out of a deep fear of being abandoned.

10 – They Only Project The Happy Parts Of Themselves

Although positivity is a virtue, it can be toxic, too. When someone suffers from depression in secret, it can be hard to admit that life is hard at times. Instead of being honest, they might overcompensate by posting only happy things on social media, refusing to admit that something is challenging or upsetting, or pretending that they’re never sad.

11 – They’re Searching For A Purpose

Just about everyone is trying to figure out life as they move through it. But those who are depressed tend to search for meaning to validate their existence and calm their fears. They might drastically change their mind about where they want to live, what career they want to pursue, or who they want in their life as a way to disguise their weak points.

Instead of seeking their identity and purpose with self-reflection, depressed people tend to endlessly search for something in the outside world that will bring them purpose or joy. Millions of people suffer from depression, and for many of them, their loved ones are unaware.

Main Takeaways

Fortunately, there are treatment options. From lifestyle changes to talk therapy and medication. There is a way out of depression. Whether you have a friend or loved one you suspect might be hiding their pain, or its suffering, a deeper understanding of concealed depression will help you take positive action.