in Hiding: When We Disappear in Plain Sight
We
all carry burdens.
Sometimes, they’re visible – a bandage, a mournful expression. But
often, the deepest pain, the heaviest losses, are entirely hidden from view. We
smile and go about our day, yet silently break inside.
Why
do we do this?
There’s no one answer. Fear of judgment, not knowing how to ask for
help, and the crushing weight of trauma all fuel our impulse to fade into the
background.
How
You Might Be Hiding:
The
Workaholic: Every waking moment is filled, leaving no
space for emotions. But achievement doesn’t heal a wounded soul.
The
Phone Addict: The endless scroll provides distraction but
never a genuine connection.
The
Chore Obsessive: A clean house is no substitute for a clear
mind.
The
TV Zombie: Mindlessly bingeing numbs the pain but solves nothing.
The
Neglectful One: Even primary care feels too much when
everything inside hurts.
The
Depressed Isolate: No energy, joy, just a desperate need to be
alone.
It’s
okay to need time, grieve, be angry, and feel lost. But
it’s NOT
okay to suffer forever.
Breaking
the Cycle
Start
small: One honest conversation with a trusted person. A
five-minute walk outside. Just doing ONE thing differently signals to yourself
you’re ready for change.
Therapy
is strength: A therapist offers a safe space to process
emotions you’ve been carrying alone.
Support
groups: Hearing others who’ve been where you are is a
powerful reminder you’re
not alone.
Small
kindnesses: Caring for a plant, a pet, yourself –
nurturing something else helps bring you back to life.
Resource
List
National
Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://nami.org/Home
– Information, support groups, crisis lines.
The
Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth): https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
– Crisis intervention and support.
RAINN
(Sexual Assault Survivors): https://www.rainn.org/
– Hotline and resources.
Psychology
Today Therapist Search: https://www.psychologytoday.com/
– Helps locate therapists in your area.
Remember: You
are not your pain, and you are not your hiding place. You deserve to feel
better, and help is out there.
