Stuck in Hiding: When We Disappear in Plain Sight

 

Stuck 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.