Smiling depression describes when a person masks depression behind a smile. Someone with smiling depression looks happy on the outside when, in reality, they may be experiencing feelings of internal hopelessness and sadness.
As they can hide their depression so well, people with smiling depression often fail to get the treatment they desperately need.
People who live with this type of untreated depression may be at a higher risk of hurting themselves and of death by suicide. Although it may be difficult to recognize, doctors can treat smiling depression with medications and other behavioral therapies.
Smiling depression is not a medical diagnosis. Instead, it is a term mental health professionals use to describe people with a depressive disorder who hide their symptoms from others. People with smiling depression can carry on with most day-to-day activities, yet they are privately living with a serious mood disorder.
Depression is not the same as the blues or occasional feelings of sadness. With normal sadness, there is usually a reason behind it, and it lasts for a short while before going away. With depression, often, the sadness does not lift for long periods, making a person feel there is no possible relief to their feelings of gloom and despair. Depression is an all-consuming and ongoing state that can significantly impact a person’s ability to function.
Depression is a common mood disorder. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are about 280 million people worldwide who experience depression.
People may try to hide their depression behind a smile for several reasons. These may include:
- they worry what others will think
- they do not want to burden others
- they fear job loss
- they think the depression will go away if they pretend to be happy
- they may not realize they are depressed
- they do not know how to get help
Despite their outward smile and pretension to be happy, people with smiling depression are still experiencing typical symptoms of depression.
Symptoms tend to develop gradually over days or weeks and can vary greatly from person to person. They may include:
- depressed mood
- fatigue, lack of energy, or exhaustion
- bouts of irritability or sudden shift in moods
- anxiety or tendency to worry
- recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation or intent
- feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness
- obsessive ruminations or intrusive thoughts
- loss of interest in pleasurable activities
- changes in appetite or weight
- avoidance of social interactions or events
- difficulty with concentration or making decisions
- sleep problems
Those managing classic forms of depression might have suicidal thoughts but not the energy to act on them.
However, as people with smiling depression are still able to go to work and look as if they are keeping it together, they may have the energy to plan and end their life by suicide.
Although there are many different forms of depression, hiding depression behind a smile can occur with many mood disorders.
Depression is a serious health risk that can have potentially devastating consequences for the individual who has it and their loved ones.
Depression may not always be obvious. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), and the American Academy of Family Physicians, recommend screening for depression in adults. The USPSTF also recommends the same for anyone 12 years of age or older.
Doctors treat smiling depression similarly to any other depressive disorder. Treatment varies, depending on the severity of symptoms, and often involves a combination of the treatment options.
If someone with smiling depression or any depression cancels plans or does not answer their phone, it is important to reach out to them.
It is helpful to let a person with smiling depression know that they are not alone and remind them that with treatment and time, they will get better.
If a person suspects they might have smiling depression, they should reach out to a healthcare professional or other trusted individual. Asking for support is the best thing a person can do to diagnose and treat smiling depression.
Resources for finding therapists include:
- the American Psychiatric Association (APA)’s Find a Psychiatrist function
- the APA’s Psychologist Locator
- the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)’s Find a Therapist service
- the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ list of certified counselors
- Good Therapy’s Find a Therapist function
- the Black Mental Health Alliance Find a Therapist listing for those who are looking for a culturally competent mental health professional
- Therapy for Latinx, which helps those who are Latinx or a person of color (POC) find culturally competent mental health professionals
There are free phone or text support is available through nonprofit organizations and charities.
Examples of beneficial telephone hotlines include:
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255.
- The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233, or if a person is unable to speak safely, text LOVEIS to 1-866-331-94-74.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
- The Veteran’s Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255.
A variety of mobile apps are available to support people with mental health conditions. These apps can act as a treatment aid, but they should not replace professional help.
In summary, with treatment, people can learn to manage their symptoms and begin to feel better. Individuals who are unsure of whom to contact about their symptoms should speak to a doctor, who can point them in the right direction.
Sources: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/smiling-depression;
