Perfectly Hidden Depression by Margaret Robinson Rutherford

Book Summary

Margaret Robinson Rutherford has written a book titled "Perfectly Hidden Depression" which focuses on the relationship between depression and perfectionism. However, the concept of hidden depression differs from the well-known form of depression, which the author explains by outlining its manifestations. In today's world, perfectionism can lead individuals to experience a form of depression, causing them to suffer greatly from within.

In other words, people sometimes turn to perfectionism as a way to escape their pain, ultimately becoming someone, they no longer recognize. According to Radford, many people in the world wear a fake smile when they face overwhelming issues and challenges, fearing that others might perceive them as weak. This smile serves as a mask to escape their current situation.

The concerned author addresses the concept of depression in the first part of the book and then explores the stages of recovery and the formation of a new perspective for her readers across three chapters. She makes significant efforts to prevent the repetitive cycles of depression and the painful suffering that members of society may endure. This work can also be beneficial for psychotherapists seeking to broaden their knowledge and perspectives in treating clients, as it contains concepts that are rarely discussed in depth.

About the Author

Margaret Robinson Rutherford is a writer and clinical psychologist who has been active in treating anxiety and depression for over 25 years. In addition to blogging and maintaining a website where she publishes her work, she hosts a psychology-related podcast where she shares treatment strategies for various psychological disorders. Radford has authored another book titled "Marriage is Not for Chickens" and received an award in 2009 for her contributions to improving mental health in the community.

Who Should Read the Book?

This book is highly suitable for individuals who have been suffering from depression for a long time, as well as those who recognize internal pains stemming from perfectionism.

Book Quotes

We can become just as easily trapped by so-called positive thinking as we can by negative thinking. Both can be inhibiting, destructive, inappropriate, delusional, and mistaken.

How many times have you heard your inner whisper say, "I'm fine, thanks," while you know you're not feeling well at all? I bet it's happened quite a lot. When I started writing about hidden depression, many people emailed me in response to the definition of hidden depression. Their responses reflected relief, gratitude, and even shock. One person said, "I can't believe you're describing me this way. It's as if you're inside my head."

Without a doubt, I am not the first person to say that the symptoms of depression can vary among individuals. Sydney Blatt, whom I quoted at the beginning of this page, was one of the first people to research the connection between perfectionism, depression, and suicide. He states that some types of depression must be identified through an individual’s lived experience, even if their symptoms do not align with official indicators.

The term "Perfectly hidden depression" reflects this very idea: the absence of traditional indicators of depression does not necessarily imply the absence of depression. Not all the emails or comments I received were positive or without critique. Some raised valid critical questions: "Isn't it bad enough that people have to grapple with real depression? Now are you labeling every minor issue as depression?" and "I think you’re trying to suggest that there’s something wrong with many people’s struggles to achieve perfection."