What to Know About Smiling Depression, Symptoms and Treatment.

Is Smiling Depression Dangerous?

Smile depression is very bad for your mental and physical health, so it should not be taken lightly. Even if someone seems happy on the outside, they may be having problems inside. Long-term depression and mental turmoil can have an effect on their health as a whole. People with smiling depression are more likely to go ignored or be misunderstood by others, which means they don’t get the help and support they need. People who have happy depression may suffer in silence because they can’t talk about how they really feel or ask for help.

If you don’t get help for your depression, the signs can get worse over time, which could have very bad effects. People who are constantly battling their hidden pain and social expectations can feel even more hopeless, alone, and depressed. Adding to this can make the chances of self-harm and suicidal ideas and actions even higher.

Smiling Depression Symptoms

People with smiling depression are different from people with other types of depression because they hide their feelings. People around you might not even know that you’re depressed, and you might not even be aware of it in yourself.

Because of this, smiling depression might be more dangerous than the “classic” type of depression. There is a higher chance of suicide because there are no familiar signs of depression, like withdrawal, low energy, or lack of pleasure. People who have smiling depression are very good at hiding how they feel.

People who have smiling depression may also have the energy and drive to make and carry out plans to kill themselves. Because of the unique nature of this depressive condition, it is even harder to deal with big losses like losing a job or getting divorced.

It’s common for people with smiling depression to feel sad, lose interest in things they used to enjoy, and have trouble focusing. However, people with this disease may also:

• Experience physical complaints like back pain or headaches.
• Have a limited circle of friends or confidants.
• Turn to alcohol or other substances as a coping mechanism.
• Too much or too little sleep, or taking long naps during the day.
• Large changes in weight or hunger.
• A feeling of being heavy in the legs and arms.
• Having headaches or body aches.
• Getting angry and restless.
• Abuse of drugs.
• Extreme responses to what they see as criticism or rejection.

Who’s Most at Risk for Smiling Depression?

The risk for smiling depression is not limited to any specific demographic but is influenced by certain personality traits and circumstances. Individuals who tend to be perfectionistic, ambitious, and value maintaining a facade of well-being are at an increased risk. These are some of the common risk factors associated with smiling depression:

1. Perfectionism: People with high standards for themselves may be more vulnerable to smiling depression, as they may feel compelled to hide any perceived weaknesses or emotional struggles.
2. Ambition: Those who are driven by ambition and career success may be at risk, as they often push themselves to perform well at work or in their personal lives while concealing their emotional challenges.
3. High Functioning: Smiling depression is often referred to as a high-functioning form of depression. People who can maintain their daily routines and appear cheerful while experiencing internal distress are more susceptible.
4. Social Expectations: Societal expectations and cultural norms that discourage the open expression of emotional struggles can contribute to smiling depression.
5. Stigma: The stigma associated with mental health issues, particularly in some cultures, may deter individuals from seeking help and encourage them to mask their symptoms.
6. Lack of Support: Insufficient social support networks, including few confidants or friends to confide in, can also increase the risk of smiling depression.

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21 million

An estimated 21.0 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 8.4% of all U.S. adults.

Source: National Institute on Mental Health

17.0%

The prevalence of adults with a major depressive episode was highest among individuals aged 18-25 (17.0%).

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

Smiling depression carries a significant risk of suicide, which can be particularly concerning due to its hidden nature. The reasons behind this elevated risk include:

1. Concealed Emotions: People with smiling depression are adept at concealing their true emotions, appearing cheerful even when they are struggling internally. This facade makes it difficult for others to recognize their emotional distress.

2. Lack of Support: Because their emotional struggles are often hidden, individuals with smiling depression may not receive the support they need. Friends and family may be unaware of their inner turmoil, and as a result, they might not offer assistance or understanding.

3. Energy for Planning: Smiling depression can paradoxically provide individuals with the energy to plan and follow through with suicidal thoughts and actions. This contrast between their outward appearance and inner despair can be disorienting, potentially leading to impulsive decisions.

4. Difficulty Coping: When individuals with smiling depression face major setbacks or life challenges, such as a divorce or job loss, their condition can make it especially challenging to cope. The gap between their external image and internal struggle may widen, intensifying feelings of hopelessness.

5. Masking Common Signs: Smiling depression often masks the common signs of depression, such as withdrawal, low energy, or a loss of pleasure in activities. This concealment can result in people overlooking the need for intervention.