Perfectly Hidden Depression

How to Break Free from the Perfectionism That Masks Your Depression

By: Margaret Robinson Rutherford PhD

Narrated by: Eleanor Caudill

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.

©2019 Margaret Robinson Rutherford, PhD and Jennifer Marshall (P)2020 New Harbinger Publications

Heartwarming

Both the writer and the narrator are excellent. It has been warming my soul listening to these two ladies, who, despite the serious work this journey requires, are able to plant bravery to the listener in a very gentle manner. I am glad I found this audiobook, thanks to one of my mistakes, showing me in itself, what perfection lies in imperfection ;).

Very meaningful for a specific audience

The author has identified and clearly communicates about a specific sort of mental malady, where perfectionism and dismissing your own self - needs, feelings - becomes a coping strategy to deal with life when more healthy ones have been insufficient or not available. I was one to suffer from this, and rhe descriptions are so very familiar. I read a lot of self-help around the subject and this book is by far the most accurate. I heartily recommend.

My only concern is that I am not at all sure if I had recognized myself or had been able to benefit from the book before my therapy. The thought patterns were so automatic and so out of sight for myself. But this book certainly would have made me think, and possibly nudge me to get the help I needed, if I had encountered it before the events that forced me to do it.

Comprehensive & Well Written

Are you hard on yourself, with a driven, and determined personality, but you simultaneously struggle by being sad, anxious, and worried? This informative guide could help to lead you towards a much happier life. Find out if you have a hidden perfectionist trait that is causing you unhappiness. Learn solutions to a more satisfactory, happier and fulfilling life. I gained self-insights, and highly recommend this book.

informative

This book provided me with a lot of information that helped, and answered many question that I had regarding depression.

Life Changing

This book is life changing. It asks and answers so many questions that I didn’t know I even had. It makes me think deep, re-evaluate and give myself grace along with looking at narratives of my life with a fresh look.
I highly recommend this book.