How can I tell if I'm using overactivity to mask depression?

Because compulsive overactivity can look like the opposite of depression, it may be nearly impossible for others to detect the undercurrent of sadness. One of the giveaways is the compulsive nature of the activity. A common scenario is the workaholic who has difficulty coping when her compulsive outlet is taken away; to avoid this uncomfortable feeling, she makes sure every employee and customer stays connected to her by cell phone, fax, and e-mail while she is "vacationing" in Hawaii.

Family members may complain that she almost panics at the thought of not being connected to her work life. For a woman with masked depression, inactivity means that she will have to face her internal demons, and so she does everything possible to avoid this. Another characteristic of overactivity that masks depression is the triviality of the activities.

This can be seen in the depressed woman who spends her time and money in a flurry of activity, shopping compulsively for the perfect shoes to match the perfect belt to match the perfect purse. Coordinating accessories is not a sign of depression in itself, but if the shopping is compulsive and chronic, and if the shopper feels an edge of uneasiness if she is not so occupied, then it may be a signal of an underlying depression.

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