The Quiet Struggle: Shining a Light on Mental Health

Jan 26

Written By Editor

The Quiet Struggle: Shining a Light on Mental Health

Depression goes far beyond a mere lack of motivation or a fleeting mood; it is a medical condition that can render even the simplest tasks overwhelming and insurmountable. In fact, depression ranks as one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Its impact extends beyond daily functioning, for it significantly diminishes the capacity to find joy and meaning in life.

Depression wears many masks: some grapple with sadness, others with restlessness and anxiety. For some, a perpetual sense of irritability becomes the norm, while others may describe feeling emotionally numb. Regardless of how it manifests, depression can often feel like a silent inner battle. While hidden from sight, it has a deep destabilizing impact on those who grapple with it.

Understanding Depression as a Quiet Struggle

Depression is an imposing mental health condition that impacts countless lives worldwide. It is marked by a persistent lack of pleasure or interest in once-enjoyed activities, often accompanied by an overarching sense of pessimism and despair. As per recent reports from the World Health Organization, approximately 350 million individuals have officially received a diagnosis of depression, but the true number could be even higher.

Many experts in mental health emphasise that a considerable number of individuals silently grapple with depression, often avoiding professional help due to feelings of shame, embarrassment, or pride. In some cases, those wrestling with depression may not even recognise that they are facing a problem, compounding the risks associated with silent suffering. This lack of awareness frequently stems from a confusion between depression and regular feelings of sadness or grief.

It is important to remember that life’s most challenging events, like losing a job, the end of a relationship, or the loss of a loved one, can evoke profound sadness and sorrow. Such emotions are entirely normal responses to these situations. Nonetheless, it is crucial to distinguish between feeling sad and experiencing depression. While both grief and depression can result in intense sadness and a withdrawal from activities, they exhibit fundamental differences:

In grief, painful emotions tend to come in waves and are often intertwined with positive memories of the deceased or the loved one who was lost. In depression, a persistent lack of interest and mood prevails for weeks on end, shrouding one’s life in a constant grey haze.
During grief, the individual usually maintains their self-esteem. Depressed individuals often feel self-loathing or unworthiness, brought about by the voice of a relentless inner critic.
In grief, thoughts of death may arise when one thinks about reuniting with their deceased loved one. In depression, suicidal thoughts often focus on ending one’s life due to feelings of worthlessness and a belief that they are undeserving of life, or because they cannot bear the pain of existence.

While they differ significantly, grief and depression can co-exist. When they intertwine, grief tends to linger and become more severe. Differentiating between grief and depression is vital, as it can guide us towards getting the assistance, support, or treatment we may need, including seeking individual counseling in Singapore.

Common Signs That Someone Might Be Silently Depressed

Depression takes on a unique guise for each of us. Some of us may find ourselves shedding tears and withdrawing from our social circles, while others might be haunted by persistent emotional numbness. Yet, despite the differences of each individual’s battle, there are shared, subtle cues that can guide us in identifying whether a loved one or an acquaintance is silently wrestling with this condition.

1. Withdrawal from activities

Withdrawing from activities is one of the prominent indicators of depression. Depression often exhausts so much of the time and energy from those wrestling with this internal tempest that carrying the weight of the condition may gradually lead to a life empty of vibrancy and motivation. Often, we feel a reluctance to share our internal battles, as if our thoughts are meant to remain concealed within our hearts.

2. Lack of energy

Depression drains our reservoir of energy to the point where even the simplest task, like getting out of bed, can feel overwhelmingly difficult. Persistent thoughts of despair, coupled with a diminished appetite, sleep disturbances, and heightened stress, can transform daily life into a relentless battle. Some of us silently fighting this internal turmoil may gradually distance ourselves from family and friendships, not out of choice but because we lack the vitality to engage fully.

3. Weight and appetite changes

Fluctuations in weight and appetite are often tell-tale signs of depression. These changes can be triggered by different emotional responses: some turn to food for comfort during difficult times, while others lose their appetite in the shadow of low moods.

4. Changes in sleeping habits

Research findings emphasise that approximately 80% of adults contending with depression encounter difficulties related to falling asleep or maintaining a restful slumber. This predicament stems from a closely intertwined relationship between sleep and one’s emotional state.

The lack of proper sleep can precipitate neurochemical shifts within the brain, a phenomenon deemed contributory to depression. Conversely, depression can exacerbate the challenge of obtaining the necessary rest. This has led numerous medical professionals to posit that addressing sleep-related conditions such as insomnia may have a substantial impact in mitigating the manifestations of depressive symptoms.

5. Substance abuse

Regrettably, substance abuse often becomes a refuge for individuals grappling with anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders. Some of us, at some point, turn to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to navigate the overwhelming emotions of sadness and hopelessness.

It is entirely understandable to long for a momentary escape from troubling thoughts and the weight of reality. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that alcoholism or addiction can lead to complications down the road. Opting for depression or anxiety therapy in Singapore presents a healthier and more effective alternative, paving the way for healing and recovery.

In Closing

Depression is a formidable challenge, affecting millions of people around the world. While it can manifest with physical symptoms, numerous cases of depression remain undiagnosed. Often, this occurs because those affected may hesitate to acknowledge their condition or may not even recognise that they are facing a problem. This is why depression is often referred to as “the quiet struggle.”

At The Mind Collected, we offer depression and anxiety counselling to help rediscover the joy and meaning in life. Our team of professionals are here to lend a listening ear, offer support, and guide you on a path towards healing and empowerment.