Unveiling Camouflaged Melancholy: A Book Analysis, Recognizing Ten Key Indicators, and Seeking Assistance
In the quiet corners of society, a syndrome known as Perfectly Hidden Depression (PHD) lurks, often unnoticed. This syndrome, consisting of behaviours and beliefs, not a diagnosis, is a topic of great interest for clinical psychologist Margaret Robinson Rutherford.
Margaret Robinson Rutherford's work led her to cross paths with Natalie, a highly successful and involved mother who struggled with PHD. One fateful day, Rutherford found Natalie unresponsive in her bed, surrounded by empty vodka and pill bottles.
Natalie was working with Rutherford to manage her anxiety about juggling responsibilities. However, the depth of her struggle was hidden beneath a facade of perfection. People with PHD have a strong investment in hiding their depression, as it has protected them and worked for them for years.
Natalie's smiles were real, and her joy was infectious, according to Rutherford. Yet, beneath the surface, she often expressed that she shouldn't complain about her situation compared to others. This is a common trait among people with PHD - they rarely see their challenges as depression, and others usually don't either.
In her journey towards healing, Natalie went to rehab, worked on her sobriety, set clear-cut boundaries with her mother, relinquished her perfectionism, and explored who she wanted to be. She also began sharing her real struggles with her husband, processing her past, including past sexual abuse and a persistent inner critic.
Rutherford advises being indirect when discussing PHD with a loved one. People with PHD may become defensive and change can be terrifying. Instead, she suggests focusing on how it affects the observer and using phrases like "I'm sad that you are..." or "I feel helpless when I see you...".
If signs of PHD are noticed in a loved one, Rutherford also suggests using a script when discussing it with a doctor or clinician. The script includes admitting fears about being open and acknowledging that not everything can be shared immediately.
Natalie is grateful to be alive after her struggles with PHD. She survived a suicide attempt and is now open about her journey, hoping to raise awareness about this hidden epidemic. Her story serves as a reminder that behind every perfect smile, there may be a hidden struggle.
Regrettably, there is no relevant information available regarding how Margaret Rutherford built her psychological practice in the past. However, her work continues to make a significant impact, offering hope and healing to those battling PHD.
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