They’re hard to point out, and often their illness goes unnoticed. They can be the class clowns, the spontaneous friend, and the life of the party. Typically people imagine those with depression as introverts, bed ridden, or unable to function. This isn’t always the case. Surprisingly, 10% of the population suffers from depression (Labeaune, 2016). Some might not even realized that they are depressed, especially when they are able to stably manage their every day life.
It’s called smiling depression. The definition is appearing happy to others, literally smiling, while suffering internally with depressive symptoms (Labeaune, 2016). Essentially it’s a type of unhappiness that's suppressed with smiles and laughter. Those suffering might not notice or want to acknowledge their symptoms because they fear being recognized as weak or unstable.
Common symptoms are anxiety, fear, anger, fatigue, irritability, despair, and hopelessness. People with smiling depression might also have issues sleeping, a lack of enjoyment in activities that are normally pleasurable, and a low libido, however each individual has different experiences and symptoms. Some might feel just one, some might experience multiple.
You can compare smiling depression to wearing a mask. People suffering usually don’t want to reveal their problems and try to maintain a full and active social life. Comedians like Robin Williams, Louis C.K., Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Hicks have all been victims of smiling depression.
In many ways, smiling depression can be even more dangerous than depression with classic symptoms because those suffering have more energy to take dangerous steps, like suicide.
It's much easier said than done, when someone tells us to just "snap out of it" or "cheer up". The truth is, it takes more than just a few words of wisdom to change one's saddened mindset. Sometimes our thoughts and feelings are just simply out of our personal control, and we find ourselves prisoners of our own mind.
The good news is smiling depression is one of the most treatable mental illness, and if you or someone you know is suffering, help is available. Whether it’s through psychotherapy or counseling, it’s possible to ease your way out of this state of mind and be freed of the grief. The first step to recovering is to open up to those around you, and recognize exactly what’s going on in your own head. When depressive thoughts or feelings remain neglected, naturally, they build up and only worsen. By avoiding these feelings, your physical and mental health will continue to be at risk.
Don't be afraid to seek guidance.
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