When Mental Illness Feels Invisible

[Shree]

Many look “fine” while struggling deeply. Have you ever felt unseen or misunderstood because your mental health symptoms weren’t visible to others?

 

[uptrendfinancialsignal]

You learn how to smile even when things aren't going well. You laugh at jokes, answer messages, go to work and no one knows. I have actually been there before where I would be smiling but right inside of me, something terrible is happening. People always expect pain to show but some of us know how to mask it so well.

 

[Nomad]

A lot of mental health conditions are invisible. Once, a relative of mine shared his story. She showed symptoms that appeared like a case of possession. Shamans and exorcists were called but the problem wasn't solved. Then one day he accidentally came across an article by a well known psychiatrist of the country, and he started thinking that he might have some mental conditions. Later he found out that he had depression. He did not know he had a mental health issue, he was an educated person, taught mathematics in the college, yet did not know about his conditions.

 

[uptrendfinancialsignal]

Honestly, that is the most difficult part. This is extremely hard and most likely a bit risky when you appear alright, but deep inside something is wrong and people think that you are all right..I could remember that it happened to me before. I was dying inside and I was acting as though everything is okay. Nowadays, I simply speak the truth or open up when Iam not feeling fine. That has freed me from so many things..

 

[Hazel]

This happens more often than people admit. Many mask their pain with smiles or productivity, and others assume they’re okay because nothing looks wrong from the outside. Feeling unseen in that way can be isolating, but it also teaches how vital empathy and gentle checking-in really are.

 

[Brem]

It's easy to put on a smile and go about your day, some people are able to mask their mental illness easily. I know people who have put on a good face, but they are secretly struggling with their mental health. Oftentimes they feel ashamed to ask for help, but no one should feel ashamed to ask for help, especially if you need it.

Depression works on all of us differently. Some of us are more open while some of us bottle it in. Sometimes you can't tell, which is why you need to talk with your friends, family, keep them in your graces. Sometimes just being there helps.