

 #35382 
 Mentioned in 1 episodes 
Perfectly Hidden Depression
How to Break Free from the Perfectionism that Masks Your Depression
Book • 2019
In this book, Dr. Margaret Rutherford explores the concept of 'perfectly hidden depression' (PHD), a syndrome that does not fit the official diagnostic criteria for depression but is nonetheless serious and debilitating.
PHD is marked by a facade of perfection, high responsibility, and control, which hides deep feelings of pain, loneliness, and despair.
The book details the 10 characteristics of PHD, provides real-life stories, and offers a five-stage healing process.
It includes journal prompts and questions to help readers reflect on their own habits and emotions.
Dr. Rutherford emphasizes that PHD often results from upbringing, ingrained beliefs, and personality traits, and that it is crucial to recognize and address these factors to begin the healing process.
PHD is marked by a facade of perfection, high responsibility, and control, which hides deep feelings of pain, loneliness, and despair.
The book details the 10 characteristics of PHD, provides real-life stories, and offers a five-stage healing process.
It includes journal prompts and questions to help readers reflect on their own habits and emotions.
Dr. Rutherford emphasizes that PHD often results from upbringing, ingrained beliefs, and personality traits, and that it is crucial to recognize and address these factors to begin the healing process.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 1 episodes
Mentioned by 



Dr. Margaret Rutherford

 Lonely Together: Unpacking the Silent Epidemic with Dr. Margaret Rutherford 
Mentioned by a listener who found the book helpful in understanding their struggles with perfectly hidden depression.

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 342 SelfWork: Five Ways of Dealing with Defensiveness, Enmeshment Dynamics, and Roles Vs Relationships: Your Questions My Answers 
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 458 SelfWork: When Anxiety Imprisons You 
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 457 SelfWork: How To Be Enough: A Conversation with Ellen Hendriksen 
Specifically for those struggling with strong perfectionism which camouflages underlying emotional pain.

 447 SelfWork: Seven Ways Conflict Can Work For You 
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Lewis Howes

 895 Upgrade Your Mental Health with Dr. Margaret Rutherford 
Mentioned in the podcast introduction as a relevant book for understanding loneliness and community.

 434 SelfWork: Belonging and Community... Find It In A Third Space 
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 432 SelfWork: Doctors and Depression: A Conversation with Dr. Pam Buchanan 
Mentioned by 



Margaret Rutherford

 468 SelfWork: Stop Going Down The High-Functioning Rabbit Hole with Dr. Whitney Casares 
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Dr. Margaret Rutherford

 469 SelfWork: Understanding the Fears and Faces of Borderline Moms 







