Many people with depression seem fine on the outside—successful, social, and “holding it together.” But behind the mask, they’re struggling. This episode explores high-functioning depression—what it looks like, why people hide their symptoms, and the dangers of masking mental illness.
Our guest Andrew shares his deeply personal story of living with hidden depression, masking pain from family and friends, and what finally led him to reach out for help. He also describes how writing became a powerful tool for healing and authenticity.
If you’ve ever wondered how someone can appear fine while battling depression—or if you’ve said “I’m fine” when you weren’t—this episode sheds light on the hidden truth and offers hope.
Primary Topics Covered:
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to today’s episode
00:59 – What it means to wear a “mask” with depression
03:24 – Andrew’s experience with hidden depression
04:32 – Reaching a breaking point and seeking help
05:22 – Treatment, medication, and coping strategies
06:01 – Balancing work, introversion, and masking
07:17 – The long-term dangers of masking depression
08:46 – Stigma, stereotypes, and misconceptions
09:16 – Why masking fuels darkness instead of healing
10:13 – Facing depression head-on instead of hiding
11:14 – The “1 in 5” mental health statistic in context
12:03 – Delays between symptoms and diagnosis
12:32 – Andrew’s blog on depression and authenticity
13:46 – Writing as a tool for expression and healing
15:08 – Public vs. private personas with mental health
15:32 – Common verbal masks: “I’m fine, just tired”
15:52 – Empathy and compassion help break the mask
16:19 – Closing reflection: hiding the bad hides the good too
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