There have been numerous times when I have heard this statement, you don’t look depressed or you don’t look like you struggle with anxiety or mental health problems; but what do depression and anxiety look like?
The general expectation of someone struggling with their mental health is that they would be always sad, angry, or crying but there is more than one look to mental health.
While some people may show that they are anxious or depressed, there is a greater percentage of people who are good at masking how they feel.
Here are some Reasons for hiding one’s mental health
- Fear of experiencing negative responses to sharing about their mental health.
There is a lot of stigma surrounding mental health, especially in ethnic minorities. For one thing, one may feel like it is a weakness to let people know that they have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety and that they may be receiving treatment for it.
- Not wanting to be a burden to loved ones or colleagues.
If one bears a responsibility to family or is in a senior position at work, they may not want their children or peers to know that they are struggling.
- Feeling embarrassed to talk about what they are going through.
A lot of people that hide their mental health struggles are usually those who are strong for everyone.
They are the ones that always tell you to reach out to them when you need anything, so when they hit a rough patch, they are reluctant to disclose their feelings.
- Feeling like they are being judged for being weak.
Some people feel that accepting you have a mental illness and taking medication for it may be perceived as a weakness.
What should we do then when someone shares that they have mental health problems?
- Listen to them without prejudice.
- Ask them questions to show that you care.
- Let them know you are there and ask how you can be of help.
- Be patient and do not rush to give to voice your opinion.
- Give them an opportunity to talk.
- Try not to overwhelm them by giving too much advice.
- Do not downplay their symptoms. It takes a lot for someone to trust you enough with that kind of information about themselves.
- Give them space to process their feelings if they ask for it.
- Encourage them to continue with their treatment as well as therapies if they have been prescribed them.
Help is available for all types of mental health problems, so no one should go through it alone. Mental health services are free on the NHS (UK).
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/social-care-and-your-rights/how-to-access-mental-health-services
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