Perfectly Hidden Depression: How to Break Free from the Perfectionism That Masks Your Depression
When your life looks perfect, but you’re silently falling apart…

If you were raised to believe that painful emotions are a sign of weakness, or if being vulnerable has always made you feel unsafe, then you may have survived by creating a perfect-looking life—a life where you appear to be successful, engaged, and always there for others. The problem? You’re filled with self-criticism and shame, and you can’t allow yourself to express fear, anger, loss, or grief. You recognize something is wrong, but you’re not sure what exactly—only that you feel trapped and alone. If this sounds like you, you may have perfectly hidden depression (PHD).

With this compassionate guide, you’ll begin the process of understanding your perfectionism, identifying destructive beliefs, and connecting with emotions suppressed for far too long. You’ll also find tangible tips for quieting that critical inner voice, and powerful strategies for coping with difficult feelings. Most importantly, you’ll learn that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. If you’re ready to stop hiding and start healing, this groundbreaking book will guide you—every imperfect step of the way.

1133048485
Perfectly Hidden Depression: How to Break Free from the Perfectionism That Masks Your Depression
When your life looks perfect, but you’re silently falling apart…

If you were raised to believe that painful emotions are a sign of weakness, or if being vulnerable has always made you feel unsafe, then you may have survived by creating a perfect-looking life—a life where you appear to be successful, engaged, and always there for others. The problem? You’re filled with self-criticism and shame, and you can’t allow yourself to express fear, anger, loss, or grief. You recognize something is wrong, but you’re not sure what exactly—only that you feel trapped and alone. If this sounds like you, you may have perfectly hidden depression (PHD).

With this compassionate guide, you’ll begin the process of understanding your perfectionism, identifying destructive beliefs, and connecting with emotions suppressed for far too long. You’ll also find tangible tips for quieting that critical inner voice, and powerful strategies for coping with difficult feelings. Most importantly, you’ll learn that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. If you’re ready to stop hiding and start healing, this groundbreaking book will guide you—every imperfect step of the way.

21.95 In Stock
Perfectly Hidden Depression: How to Break Free from the Perfectionism That Masks Your Depression

Perfectly Hidden Depression: How to Break Free from the Perfectionism That Masks Your Depression

Perfectly Hidden Depression: How to Break Free from the Perfectionism That Masks Your Depression

Perfectly Hidden Depression: How to Break Free from the Perfectionism That Masks Your Depression

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Overview

When your life looks perfect, but you’re silently falling apart…

If you were raised to believe that painful emotions are a sign of weakness, or if being vulnerable has always made you feel unsafe, then you may have survived by creating a perfect-looking life—a life where you appear to be successful, engaged, and always there for others. The problem? You’re filled with self-criticism and shame, and you can’t allow yourself to express fear, anger, loss, or grief. You recognize something is wrong, but you’re not sure what exactly—only that you feel trapped and alone. If this sounds like you, you may have perfectly hidden depression (PHD).

With this compassionate guide, you’ll begin the process of understanding your perfectionism, identifying destructive beliefs, and connecting with emotions suppressed for far too long. You’ll also find tangible tips for quieting that critical inner voice, and powerful strategies for coping with difficult feelings. Most importantly, you’ll learn that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. If you’re ready to stop hiding and start healing, this groundbreaking book will guide you—every imperfect step of the way.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781684033584
Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
Publication date: 11/01/2019
Pages: 216
Sales rank: 594,665
Product dimensions: 5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Margaret Robinson Rutherford, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice with more than twenty-five years of experience treating individuals and couples for depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. She also offers her compassionate and commonsense therapeutic style to the general public through her popular blog and podcasts, with the goal of decreasing the stigma around psychological treatment. Her podcasts and shows on perfectly hidden depression (PHD) have reached thousands, as she sheds light on this overlooked presentation of the disease.


Jennifer Marshall is cofounder of This is My Brave, a national storytelling series dedicated to discussing mental illness. Jennifer was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder in 2006 at the age of twenty-six, and writing about her life with a mental illness has helped her healing process. You can read her blog, Bipolar Mom Life, or follow her on Twitter: @BipolarMomLife.

Table of Contents

Foreword vii

Preface xi

Introduction 1

Part I Understanding Perfectly Hidden Depression

Chapter 1 What Is Perfectly Hidden Depression? 9

Chapter 2 Healthy Coping, Depression, and Perfectly Hidden Depression 31

Chapter 3 Overcoming Stigma and Recognizing Perfectly Hidden Depression in Yourself 47

Part II The Five Stages of Healing Consciousness, Commitment, Confrontation, Connection, Change

Stage 1 Attain Consciousness 69

"How Could I Be Depressed? My Life Looks Perfect"

Stage 2 Make the Commitment 79

"I'm Scared to Be Any Different…What If I Fail?"

Stage 3 Confront Your Rulebook 93

"I'm so Incredibly Hard on Myself"

Stage 4 Connect with Emotional Pain for Healing 109

"It's Hard for Me to Feel"

Stage 5 Change Your Focus from Perfection to True Happiness 131

"I Want to Risk Self-Acceptance, Where Will My Journey Lead?"

Part III Living Your True Self

Chapter 4 Growing into Your New Imperfect Skin 153

Chapter 5 Breaking the Silence and Discovering a Happier Life 171

Acknowledgments 187

Resources 191

References 193

Interviews

Robinson Rutherford resides in Fayetteville, AR (Washington County).

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