Smiling
Depression
What is
smiling depression Ɂ?
Smiling depression refers to an
atypical form of depression wherein a person appears happy and content to
others, while internally suffering with depressive symptoms. Someone can be
smiling and functioning normally and at the same time be depressed. So it often
goes undetected. Such depression often starts early in life and can last o long
time.
Please
note -
Smiling depression is not a
medical diagnosis. It is a term medical professional use to describe people
with depression who tend to hide their symptoms from others.
What
it may feel like Ɂ?
Despite pretending to be happy,
people with smiling depression still experience typical symptoms of depression,
including:
1. Felling
of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness
2. Loss of
interest in pleasurable activities
3. Avoiding
social interaction or events
4. Difficulty
with concentration or making decisions
5. Difficulty
sleeping
6. Changes
in appetite or weight
7. Anxiety
or tendency to worry
8. Recurrent
thoughts of deaths or suicidal idealisation
Not everyone experiences
depression in the same way. It can develop gradually over days or weeks and
symptoms can vary greatly from person to person.
Depression
does not always mean extreme sadness
In reality, a depressed person
might not be feeling particularly sad; in fact not feeling much at all. It is
like being stuck in a dark room with no exit. Some might not even realize that
they are depressed, especially if they seem like they are managing their day to
day life.
Smiling
depression and suicide: The troubling connection
Every 40 second, someone losses
their life to suicide. A typically depressed person has little energy to even
act on his suicide thoughts, while people with smiling depression have a surge
of energy and might be more likely to initiate a suicide attempt.
Look
for the warning signs
A person considering suicide
may :-
Talk about
|
Show changes in
behavior
|
Show signs of feeling
|
Feeling hopeless
|
Withdrawing from
family and friends
|
Forced happiness
|
Having no reason to
live
|
Sleeping too much or
too little
|
Anxious
|
Being a burden on
others
|
Visiting or calling
people to say goodbye
|
Loss of interest
|
Unbearable pain
|
Giving away prized
possessions
|
Irritability or
agitation
|
Killing themselves
|
Increased use of
alcohol or drugs
|
Sudden relief or
improvement
|
Browsing the internet
for ways
|
What
can you do to help Ɂ?
Destigmatize mental illness:
Many people struggling with smiling depression are perfectionists or they don’t
want to appear weak. The more you know about the condition, the better you can
help to destigmatize these and more you can be of help to yourself and others.
Check in on your loved ones: If
a friend suddenly stops responding to phone calls or texts or cancels plans,
don’t hesitate to ask them what is going on and if they are feeling okay.
Notice if a loved one begins giving away possessions or being to isolate and
withdraw.
Accept
them as they are, without judging them:
Gently encourage them to help
themselves by staying physically active, eating a balanced diet and doing
things they enjoy. Get information about medical help available, such as
medicines and psychological therapy.
How
to help yourself Ɂ?
Don’t let depression win: On
days when your brain seems to question life and existence, remember that you
are enough, you are worthy and you are not alone.
Invest in authentic social
relationships: Let your loved ones help you create a more positive state of
mind. Reach out to someone you trust without fear of being judged.
Learn self-compassion: Find
activities and pursuits that are meaningful to you and make you feel productive
and accomplished.
Seek medical help: Depression
is not weakness. It is a common health condition and most importantly, it can
be treated.