ABC News is highlighting a little known, but growing problem in America today: "subtle suicide." Drs. Michael Church, PhD and Charles Brooks, PhD have coined the phrase to describe people who don't necessarily want to actively kill themselves, but at the same time, question the value of living and make choices that sabotage their health.

The doctors define subtle suicide as a pattern of self-destructive feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that take place over a substantial period of time and significantly reduce the quality and possibly length of one's life. What the doctors are describing is a very serious form of depression that includes signs such as stopping needed medications for a chronic disease and participating in risky behaviors such as alcohol and drugs.

But are some Americans suffering from a less overt form of the condition, for example, knowingly eating a diet that increases health risks or failing to get recommended preventative screenings such as mammograms or colonoscopies? After all, self-neglect is one sign of severe depression, and untreated severe depression increases the risk of someone perhaps seeking active suicide attempts.

Perhaps (and this is just my personal musing) part of our increasing obesity epidemic is more related to conditions of the mind as opposed to external influences such as fast food advertisements, large portion sizes, and high sugar or fat content? Recent research has confirmed a link between obesity and depression, but it is not always the obesity that comes first — meaning people are not just "down" because they are ashamed of their bodies. The research, conducted by scientists at the Leiden University Medical Center, found that depression increases the risk of developing obesity in normal weight individuals by 58 percent.

The association between obesity and depression goes further than just dulling the pain with comfort foods such as chocolate and chips. People with depression often feel symptoms such as fatigue and non-specific aches and pains that prevent them from pursuing exercise. People who are withdrawn due to a mood disorder are also less likely to seek out care for their symptoms, which may be related to another illness. And stress causes a cascade of metabolic effects that can increase the risk of developing increased abdominal fat.

Subtle suicide is "not a formal diagnosis," says Dr. Church. "It's a state of mind that can co-occur with other things." But it should be treated as very serious. "We think it's a portal to overt suicide," he says.

If you are finding that you are ambivalent about your health and not caring for yourself the way that you should be, stop to assess yourself for symptoms of depression, low self-esteem, and emotional deprivation. If so, seek therapy from someone who will help you to cope with and work out your feelings toward a more positive attitude about your life and your purpose. Don't focus on finding a "magic pill,", however, because these only treat symptoms and not problems.

For family and friends of those who are engaging in risky health behaviors, remember first and foremost not to judge or criticize. Listen to your loved one's needs and by action, not just words, demonstrate how important they are to you. With appropriate support, they will soon see themselves as worthy of the self-care that promotes a long and healthy life.