How many people do you think look happy, but struggle with depressive thoughts daily? Usually, depressed individuals are viewed as bed-ridden and unable to work. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, what may or may not be shocking is that about 10 percent of the U.S. population suffers from depression, which is 10 times greater than those with bipolar disorder (1 percent) and schizophrenia (1 percent). Not everyone is experiencing depression in the same way. Some may not even know they are depressed, particularly when they seem to be handling their everyday lives. It doesn't seem natural for someone to be laughing, chippering, working and sad at the same time.
In my practice, those who are most surprised to realize they 're experiencing some form of depression are those who suffer from "smiling depression." Most people haven't even heard of the term. Smiling depression is defined as appearing happy to others, literally smiling, while internally suffering from depressive symptoms. Smiling depression often goes undetected. Those who suffer from it often discount their own feelings and brush them aside. They may not even be aware of their depression or want to recognize their symptoms because they fear that they will be considered "weak."
Sadness is the hallmark of smiling depression. Smile and exterior façade is a defence mechanism, an attempt to hide their true feelings. A person might experience sadness about a failed relationship, career challenges, or lack what they see as a real purpose in life. The sadness may also manifest itself as a constant overall feeling that "something isn't right."
Other common symptoms of smiling depression include feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, tiredness, irritability, hopelessness, and despair. Those suffering from this and other forms of depression may also experience sleeping problems, lack of enjoyment in enjoyable activities, and loss of libido. Everyone's experience is different. It is possible to feel just one or many of these symptoms.
Another way to think of smiling depression is to see it wearing a mask. People suffering from smiling depression may not offer a hint of their problems to the outside world. They often keep a full-time job, run a family household, participate in sports, and have a fairly active social life. With their mask on, everything looks great, even perfect at times. Below the mask, however, they suffer from sadness, panic attacks, low self-esteem, insomnia, and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts.
Suicide can be a particular threat to people suffering from smiling depression. Typically, people with classic, severe depression may have suicidal thoughts, but not the energy to act on their feelings. However, those suffering from smiling depression have the energetic capacity to plan and follow through. That's why smiling depression can be more dangerous than a classic form of severe depression.
If you or anyone you know may be suffering from smiling depression, the good news is that there is help. It's one of the most treatable mental health issues. Whether through counselling or psychotherapy, it is possible to successfully navigate this state of mind and be free from sadness. Your loved or close friend, whom you suspect is suffering from smiling depression, may deny it, and may even have a negative reaction when you first discuss the subject. Well, this is normal. Often people are unaware of smiling depression, and the word "depression" might sound too extreme. Keep in mind that they may see getting help as a sign of weakness, or something that only the severely disturbed need.
Apart from counselling or psychotherapy, those who suffer can begin by opening up to those around them. Choosing a close family member, friend or trustee, and making it a practice to discuss feelings and concerns can help to relieve symptoms. It 's important not to be concerned about the burden. Sometimes we forget that the people around us are happy to support us in the same way we would support them. Opening up and sharing feelings is a key part of coping with depressive thoughts.
As long as you continue to deny or avoid what makes you feel empty, it will be almost impossible to fix the problem. When depressing thoughts and feelings are not addressed, they usually build up and get worse. What's most important is to reach out.
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Psychology Today