Is Smiling Depression Dangerous?
The signs of depression seem all too easy to spot: disinterest in the things you used to like, rapidly changing attitudes, and the urge to eat everything. But here's the thing: Sometimes you can't see it, not because it doesn't exist, but because it's hidden. You can feel all the stress but you still show up for work with a smile on your face. It's known as "smile depression." This article covers everything you need to know about "smile depression," including what to do, and how to get help.
While "smiling depression" is not a clinical diagnosis, for some it is a real problem. Typically, smiling depression occurs when a depressed individual masks his or her symptoms. These people hide behind their smiles just to reassure others that they are happy.
This type of depression often goes unnoticed, because when people think of a depressed individual, they think of someone who looks very sad or cries a lot. And while it's true that unexplained sadness is a common feature of depression, not everyone appears sad when they are depressed.
Smiling depression is not listed in official diagnostic manuals for mental disorders. But those are very real conditions. Mental health professionals use this term when you are depressed or anxious but seem happy.
If you have smiling depression, you may be trying to let others know that you are feeling well, and energized through your usual daily activities. So your family and others may not be aware that you may need help.
What is Smiling Depression?
Smiling depression is a term that psychiatrists use to describe when someone hides their depression behind a smile. A person with depression smiling looks happy on the outside. They may struggle with feelings of despair and internal sadness.
Smiling depression involves appearing happy to others and smiling even though it hurts, keeping inner turmoil hidden. It is a major depressive disorder with atypical symptoms, and as a result, many do not know that they are depressed and do not seek help.
People with smiling depression are often in a relationship or married, are employed, and are moderately accomplished and educated. Their public, professional, and social lives are not in trouble.
Yet behind masks and closed doors, their minds are filled with thoughts of worthlessness, inadequacy, and hopelessness. They typically struggle with debilitating depression and/or anxiety for years, and may have no experience with therapy or medication.
Many do not express their depression because they are afraid of discrimination from loved ones, or employers. Oftentimes, you are the only person in this individual's immediate circle, who is aware of how they feel on the inside.
How to Spot Smiling Depression
Even though smiling depression hides behind a mask of happiness, there are ways you can identify it in someone you know, or maybe yourself. The most frequent signs of smile depression include:
- Decreased interest in hobbies and activities that the person used to enjoy
- Changes in body weight and appetite
- Forced and irrational happiness
- Tiredness and loss of concentration
- Thinking of negative situations repeatedly
- Insomnia
Depressed People Rarely Smile
Some people with depression may try to hide their signs from others, or they may not even be aware that they are depressed. While the typical symptoms of depression like sadness or hopelessness are easy to spot, some symptoms may be less noticeable.
Feeling sad is a normal part of life, but when negative emotions such as hopelessness persist and don't go away, you may be experiencing depression. More than simply being sad in response to life's struggles and setbacks, depression can change the way you think and function in daily activities. This can impair your ability to eat, sleep, work, and enjoy life. The life you live is just a very exhausting day.
Some describe depression as a feeling of impending doom, while others feel lifeless, apathetic, and empty. Women, in particular, can feel irritable and agitated. You may have depression, and if not treated, it can become a serious health condition. It's important to remember that feeling hopeless and helpless are symptoms of depression.
No matter how hopeless you feel, you can be better off, by understanding the causes of your depression, and by recognizing the different symptoms and types of depression, you can take the first steps to feel better and deal with problems.
Sometimes you can't see depression, not because it doesn't exist but because it's hidden. You can feel all those feelings of depression, but at the same time, you show up at work, with your family and your friends with a smile.
That's what's called a "melancholic smile," which, sounds ridiculous. Here's what you should think about "grinning misery," including what to do if you feel like you have it, and how to get help.
Why People Hide Their Depression
It's not unusual for people to keep their depression a secret. They may want to protect their privacy or fear other people's judgment. There are many personal reasons why people hide their symptoms of depression. Here's a closer look at why people keep their depression private.
Suffering Because of Shame
Some people believe that depression is a character defect or a sign of weakness. They even believe in the lie that they should be able to 'get over it'. When they can't, they think something is wrong with them. As a result, they feel ashamed. They have depression because they think they should be able to handle it on their own.
Having Unrealistic Visions of Happiness
Social media unrealistically depicts happiness. Many people browse social media and see photos of "happy-looking" people. As a result, they believe they are the only ones struggling with mental health problems. They may feel more isolated than before, and that can make them hide their struggles.
Struggle With Guilt
Since guilt tends to accompany depression, people don't feel they should be depressed. They may think they are having a good life, and shouldn't feel bad. They also feel that they must be doing something wrong, or that they are somehow to blame for their depression. As a result, they feel guilty and embarrassed by their depression. So they hide behind smiles.
What Exactly is "Grim Sadness"?
People with grinning sadness regularly cover up the manifestations they face. They can wake up every day, get dressed, show up for work, and interact with other people in a way that gives the wrong picture of how bad they feel inside.
How Do You Know If You Have Smiling Depression?
There is no single answer here, but there are plenty of signs and side effects to look for. If you feel completely drained to the end consistently, and don't know why you're probably putting in a lot of hard work fighting your grief.
It takes a real effort for you to get up early, get your makeup and hair done, and get to work. Once there, you can take on the job of an optimistic rep, but you may feel empty.
Hidden Signs of Depression Can Include Appetite and Weight Changes
Eating too little or too much could also be a sign of depression. People turn to food for comfort, while others lose their appetite, or eat less, due to bad moods. These changes in food intake can cause a person to begin to gain or lose weight. Dramatic weight changes can also make depression worse, as it can affect a person's self-esteem.
There may be physiological factors that play a role For example, there is a connection between excess fat and increased inflammation in the body. This, in turn, might play a role in the development or severity of depressive symptoms.
You can control your workday, effectively adjust financial limits, or deal with kindergarten homeroom teachers, but you struggle to keep your core; when you come back home, you are so tired, that you neglect all your duties, and fall into bed before dinner.
Forced happiness.
People sometimes refer to hidden depression as "smiling depression." This is because people who hide their symptoms put on a happy face when with other people. However, it may be difficult to maintain this forced happiness, so the mask may slip and the person may suddenly show signs of despair, sadness, or loneliness.
Your self-care is totally off the charts. You spend so much energy staying aware that you are skipping exercise, deciding on unwanted food choices, and avoiding the welcome to hang out with your friends.
You are constantly faced with a cycle of negative feelings, either guilt or shame, because of your downward tendencies, or self-deprecation, for being lethargic when you can't muster up the courage to accomplish something.
Losing concentration.
When women stop talking during a conversation or lose track of their thoughts, it can indicate problems with memory and concentration, which are common symptoms of depression. These difficulties with concentration and focus can worsen the social effects of depression by making work life and personal relationships more difficult.
You're fiddling with what many call "invisible self-destructive ideas," implying that you don't intend to effectively end your own life.
What Should You Do If You Have Smiling Depression?
It's hard to pinpoint exactly what causes smiling depression, but a bad mood can be caused by several things, such as work problems, a breakup in a relationship, and feel life has no purpose.
A person with smiling depression can be officially diagnosed as having depression, with atypical characteristics. However, like other types of depression, smiling depression is treatable and curable. Treatments for depression that can be undertaken include talk therapy, medical treatment, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet.
First, try to ignore thoughts of self-blame, shame, or guilt, which are linked to the idea of depression. Approximately 7% of Americans of all ages suffer from depression every year. There is no reason to be ashamed to say that you have depression, or that you need help.
Second, make an appointment with your mental health professional, for a thorough evaluation if you notice any symptoms that last most of the day for at least 2 weeks. Being officially diagnosed with depression and knowing which category it falls into, is important, to finding the right treatment.
Regarding treatment, that's your third step. Luckily, you have a few options: therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. You can choose from all three or do a combination of them all.
Lifestyle changes involve your sleep, diet, and exercise habits, while treatment usually involves using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as zoloft, paxil, or prozac, which can give you the mood boost you need. and boost serotonin. Of the several walking therapies, cognitive-behavioral therapy is the best choice. The psychiatrist will teach you how to manage your thoughts and behavior to improve your overall mood.
Meditation and physical activity have also been shown to have incredible mental health benefits. A study conducted in the US showed that people who had meditated and exercised twice a week had a nearly 40% reduction in depression rates in just eight weeks of the study.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, learning to change your thought patterns and behavior, is another therapy option for those affected by this condition. And finding meaning in life is most important.
The basis of good mental health is a purpose in life. You shouldn't aim to be in "a state of no tension", free from responsibilities and challenges, but you should strive for something in life. You can find a purpose by taking your attention away from yourself and putting it on something else. So, find a worthy purpose in life, and try to make progress regularly, even if it's a small measure every day because it can make a positive impact.
Create Awareness to Eliminate the Mental Illness Stigma
Many women who struggle with smiling depression are either perfectionists, or they don't want to seem weak or out of control. The more you shift the conversation to showing positive role models for living with depression—they will suggest a mix of therapy, exercise, drugs, sleep, and diet—the less shame and stigma associated with it.
Whichever treatment you choose, the key is getting help, either from a professional or from a trusted family member or friend. Like any health condition, it takes time and process to feel better, but relief can certainly be found.
Working every day to develop self-compassion even if it's not your best is an important step towards feeling better. Recognize that this condition can be treated and take steps to seek help.
Summary
Depressive smiles appear to be more common in humans with certain temperaments. It's related to being more prone to anticipating failure, having trouble coping with embarrassing situations, and being inclined to reflect on or overthink negative situations that have already occurred.
Call someone you trust, and consider contacting a therapist. Let this influential role in your life, help you create a more positive state of mind. Instead of "sink into the vortex of negative self-harm." Don't allow depression to dominate your life.
