Alright, Marines, let's keep it real. Marines hold it down. They show up on time. They tell people they're "just tired" or "stressed." Maybe that's partly true, but it's probably not the whole story, and they might not even realize it. 

Forget the image of someone stuck in bed all day. Depression can wear a mask. It can look a lot different than expected. It's anger. It's feeling numb. It's feeling disconnected. It's that empty feeling that can't be explained and doesn't get shared. 

That's what masked depression looks like. 

What is Masked Depression? 

It's hiding behind "everything's fine." It's not always sadness. It's the guy cracking jokes to avoid serious talks. It's the overachiever running on fumes. It's the friend who's all smiles online but ghosts you in real life. 

The mask makes it hard for others to see the hurt—and even harder to admit it. It starts with recognizing the signs: 

• Always tired, even after getting sleep. 
• Just going through the motions, feeling nothing. 
• Getting pissed off or overwhelmed easily. 
• Pulling away from friends, family, and things once enjoyed. 
• Smiling with the mouth, but not the eyes. 

Sound familiar? It's more common than many realize. 

Breaking the Silence 

Pain loses its grip when we name it. It doesn't have to be announced to the world, but support matters. Here's how to start: 

• Ditch the pressure to "look fine." It's okay not to have it all together. 
• Be honest. Write in a journal, go for a walk, or just say "I'm not okay" out loud. 
• Start with one person. A friend, a family member – someone who sees the real person behind the mask. 
• Seek help without shame. Facing pain is weakness leaving the mind.

No matter the story, every Marine deserves more than just getting by. Everyone deserves peace, support, and a life that feels whole. 

Help is always available: 

• 988/Veterans Crisis Line: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - call or text anytime. Confidential help, 24/7. 
• Community Counseling Program: Talk to someone. 
• MilitaryOneSource: Resources and support.

Don't let it stay bottled up inside. Reach out. It's the right thing to do.