Recent Posts

Prestige Health and Wellness, Tampa

Where Your Health Matters

Archives for September 19, 2025

Silent Signals: Recognizing Hidden Signs of Depression During Suicide Prevention Month by Dr. Louisana Louis, Psychiatry Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

by

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a vital time to shine a light on the silent struggles of depression. While some warning signs are easy to spot, others are subtle and often hidden behind a mask of “normalcy.” Learning to recognize these signals can be lifesaving.

The Silent Struggle

Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. Many people experiencing depression maintain outward appearances—going to work, caring for family, and smiling in public—while quietly battling emotional pain.

Recent research highlights that stigma and self-stigma continue to keep many from seeking help. A 2024 study found that individuals with depression often internalize feelings of shame or inadequacy, creating barriers to care and perpetuating silence (Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2024). Understanding this “masking effect” reminds us to look deeper when supporting loved ones.

🚩 Hidden Signs to Watch For

  • Withdrawal from social connections: Declining invitations or avoiding contact without clear reasons.
  • Changes in sleep patterns: Insomnia or oversleeping are highly correlated with depression—up to 75% of people with depression experience sleep disturbances (Hopkins Medicine, 2025).
  • Sudden irritability or anger: Shifts in mood, even if brief, may mask underlying sadness.
  • Expressions of hopelessness: Subtle statements like “I’m just tired of everything” or “It doesn’t matter anyway.”
  • Increased substance use: Alcohol or drug misuse may become a way to cope with unspoken distress.

Back to You: Resetting Mental Health Routines in September by Dr. Louisana Louis, Psychiatry Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

by

September marks both Self-Improvement Month and National Suicide Prevention Month, making it the perfect time to reflect, recharge, and reset. As summer winds down and school or work schedules ramp up, many people feel the pressure of returning to structure while also coping with emotional fatigue. This transition season provides a meaningful opportunity to strengthen mental health routines and prioritize self-care.

 Why September Matters

  • Seasonal Fresh Starts: The change in seasons often brings a natural sense of renewal. Research shows that people are more likely to set and achieve goals when they align with temporal landmarks—such as a new month or season (Dai, Milkman, & Riis, 2014).
  • Back-to-School/Work Routines: Increased structure can create stability and predictability, both of which are protective for mental health (American Psychological Association, 2023).
  • Suicide Prevention Awareness: With September recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month, it reminds us to check in on ourselves and others. Studies highlight that early intervention and supportive conversations can significantly reduce suicide risk (WHO, 2021).

Tips for Resetting Your Mental Health Routine

1. Set Realistic Wellness Goals

Ambitious goals can feel overwhelming and discourage progress. Instead, start small—such as walking 10 minutes daily or practicing one new relaxation exercise per week. Evidence shows that small, consistent changes are more sustainable than drastic overhauls.

2. Schedule Daily Check-ins

Take five minutes each day to pause and ask: “How am I feeling physically, emotionally, and mentally?” Journaling or simply reflecting can boost emotional awareness and reduce stress.

3. Reintroduce Healthy Sleep Patterns

Summer often disrupts sleep, but reestablishing earlier bedtimes and consistent wake times can improve emotional stability. Sleep research confirms that inadequate rest worsens mood, focus, and resilience (Harvard Medical School, 2021).

4. Reduce Digital Overload

Too much screen time—especially on social media—has been linked to increased anxiety and depression symptoms. Consider setting aside daily “screen-free zones,” such as during meals or before bed, to allow your brain to recharge.

5. Connect Authentically

Relationships are protective factors for mental health. Reaching out to friends or family, even through a simple text, strengthens connection and belonging. Studies show that social connectedness lowers stress and enhances well-being. 

💡 Remember: Progress, Not Perfection

Resetting your mental health routine isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about taking meaningful, realistic steps toward well-being. September is a powerful reminder to reflect, reset, and recommit to YOU.

References

  • American Psychological Association. (2023). Stress in America 2023: A nation recovering from collective trauma. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2023/collective-trauma-recovery
  • Dai, H., Milkman, K. L., & Riis, J. (2014). The fresh start effect: Temporal landmarks motivate aspirational behavior. Management Science, 60(10), 2563–2582. Retrieved: The fresh start effect: Temporal landmarks motivate aspirational behavior. Management Science
  • Harvard Medical School. (2021). Sleep and mental health. Retrieve from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/sleep-and-mental-health
  • World Health Organization. (2021). Suicide prevention. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/suicide#tab=tab_1