This is self-work, and I'm Dr. Margaret Rutherford.

At self-work, we discuss psychological and emotional issues and what you can do about them,

whether that's learning self-acceptance, taking action, or seeking therapy or treatment.

Eight years ago, I extended the walls of my practice to reach those of you who might already be knowledgeable about middle

health treatment, but also to those of you who might say, you'd never darken the door of a therapist.

And yet, you are here. I'll answer your questions while I invite you to take a few minutes for your own self-work.

Here's another great comment along the same lines, again about perfectly hidden depression.

This is very real. I've learned to hide this so well. I have no idea who I am. I think sometimes we do this to protect the ones we love and to show

no weaknesses in their eyes. This makes us feel like others will judge us as weak and too sensitive.

Welcome to this week's edition of self-work. Coming back from a vacation sometimes means that you're not quite sure how to pick up where

you left off. I'm sure many of you have had that feeling. Getting back into the swing of things

feels familiar, but I'm also really glad to be back. Why did I take a break? First, I needed it,

and believe everyone who can needs to listen to that message, especially since I'm

a bit of a workaholic. But I was also preparing for the new workbook to come out. And it is out

today. And I will have the link in the show notes for you. I'm real excited about this. It's a

standalone workbook for perfectly hidden oppression, but really for anything that's about your drive,

driving you, not being able to express painful emotion, just being trapped by your perfectionism.

I'm honored to share with you one of the reviews that have already come in.

She said this book was so refreshing and eye-opening.

Not all forms of depression or anxiety, for that matter, look like the stereotypical version,

and that lack of awareness means that many people live in invisible pain.

I liked how this book walked through the characteristics of this particular version of depression,

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