Symptoms commonly associated with clinical depression are encompassed within the concept of smiling depression.
A diagnosis of depression does not require experiencing all of the following symptoms:
1. Variations in mood such as anxiety, apathy, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest, loss of pleasure in activities, mood swings, or sadness.
2. Sleep difficulties including early awakening, excessive sleepiness, insomnia, or restless sleep.
3. Physical problems such as excessive hunger, fatigue, loss of appetite, or restlessness.
4. Changes in behavior such as agitation, excessive crying, irritability, or social isolation.
5. Cognitive challenges like lack of concentration, slowness in most activities, or thoughts of suicide.
What Smiling Depression Looks Like
People who may appear strong on the outside are not always as they seem. Many times, they feel ashamed to admit to their friends and family that they are not okay. These individuals take pride in being the ones who are always strong and never need to be taken care of.
On social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, you will see their happy photos. They may even say things like, “Don’t worry about me, I’m perfectly fine.”
Perhaps they feel ashamed because they believe they should be stronger than they actually are. If they were raised in an environment where showing sadness was considered a weakness to be concealed, they still carry that belief with them.
They have unrealistic expectations about how life should be or how they should portray their lives to the world.
It becomes difficult to recognize their pain when they do not want it to be seen.
Are You Secretly Depressed But Still Smiling?
1. If you answer affirmatively to the questions below, it is advisable to consult a doctor. (Simply answering yes does not necessarily indicate depression, but it is important to explore further.)
2. Are you surrounded by individuals who urge you to toughen up and face your challenges head-on? If you find yourself in such an environment, seeking assistance to better manage your emotions may be beneficial.
3. Do you hear an inner voice dismissing your struggles as not significant enough to feel sad? Do you believe that you should not feel sad because others are experiencing greater hardships?
4. Have you experienced a significant life event (such as a loss, breakup, relocation, etc.) that you have not properly processed?
5. Do you consistently claim to be fine when asked, despite knowing deep down that you are not?
What You Can Do
Seek assistance, even if it must be done discreetly. There is no need for embarrassment – only support and recovery. If you believe a loved one is struggling with depression, have an open and compassionate discussion with them. Offer your unwavering support and suggest seeking help together if needed. Lastly, the National Alliance on Mental Health provides a list of 25 helpful resources that can be accessed by anyone. I urge you to explore this link and share it with those in need. Your well-being is important to us.
