Is it possible to be depressed while looking happy?

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Generally, depression is associated with sadness, lethargy, and despair. Although a person experiencing smiling depression can certainly feel all of these things, the way this type of depression presents itself can vary from individual to individual. In this case, **"smiling depression" is defined as a term to designate a person who lives with depression inside and is perfectly happy or content towards the outside.** In general, his public life is normal or even some would call it idyllic.

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" We can interpret that if a person smiles at us they are happy, however they may smile at us and transmit happiness, pretending a satisfactory life when they are really suffering from depression, in a covert way," explains Eva Mª González, psychologist at _Psychologists Sexologists Zaragoza_ and member of _Doctoralia_. Smiling depression **is not recognized as a condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental** Disorders (DSM-5), but it will likely be diagnosed as a major depressive disorder with atypical features. " In smiling depression a depression is experienced in a hidden way since the person does not show his low mood and tries to appear normal, even if he is asked if something is wrong", continues the expert. ## What are the symptoms of smiley depression? Depression affects everyone differently and has a variety of symptoms, the most distinguished being deep and prolonged sadness. Other classic symptoms include: **changes in appetite, weight and sleep, fatigue, feelings of hopelessness, lack of self-esteem and low self-esteem, loss of interest or pleasure in doing things that used to bring happiness ...**Someone with smiling depression may experience some or all of the above, but in public, these symptoms would be all, **almost or completely absent.** To someone looking at it from the outside, a smiling person with depression might appear to you: an active individual, someone who maintains a stable job, has a healthy family and social life, or a person who appears to be cheerful, optimistic, and generally happy. " In addition to the typical depressive symptoms such as sadness and loss of interest (despite this, they can improve their mood momentarily if they receive any news or positive moment), they **present other symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness and fatigue in the arms and legs , increased appetite, sleeping many hours and still feeling sleepy, episodes of irritability or anger, and susceptibility to criticism and rejection,**”González clarifies. ## What does the affected person think - You feel that showing signs of depression would be a sign of weakness. - You feel that you have no depression at all, because you are "fine" - You feel that others may be worse off, so why complain. - Feel the world would be better off without him or her.

## Risk of suicide **The smiling depressed patient “lives as if nothing really happens to him when it really is not;** it involves a high emotional cost and causes their suffering and symptoms to increase until the day comes when they cannot take it anymore and they become emotionally overwhelmed, and in many cases they see no other way out of their suffering than suicide ”, comments González. A typical depressive symptom is having incredibly low energy and having a hard time getting out of bed in the morning. In smiling depression, energy levels may not be affected (except when a person is alone). Because of this, **the risk of suicide may be higher.** People with major depression may have suicidal thoughts, but many do not have the energy to act on these ideas and ultimately nothing happens, but someone with smiling depression may have the energy and motivation to move on with that bad thought. " In the news we can see how people who showed stories of joy and success in their social networks and their surroundings were unaware that they were going through a depression, decide to end their life".

## Who is at risk for a smiling depression? “They are perfectionist people , who do not allow themselves to make mistakes, with a great sense of demand and responsibility for which they have to take care of everything and have a feeling of control in everything around them. **They tend to be introverts** and find it difficult to talk about their problems and transmit what worries them as well as not expressing their feelings, ”continues González. # Risk factor's ## Have big changes in life As with other types of depression, smiling depression can be triggered by a situation, such as a failed relationship or the loss of a job. ## Social media At a time in history when most people use social media, we can be sucked into an alternate reality in which everyone's lives are going fabulously. **But are they really going as well as they seem?** Many people may not be willing or able to post photos when they are at their worst, so instead they choose to share only their good times with the world. This can create a void of reality that gives the smiling depression more room to grow. " **Social networks encourage giving a positive image of oneself and comparing oneself with others,** which can lead people with smiling depression to spend a longer time using them, reflecting their fictitious joy", says González.

## Expectations We all sometimes have unrealistic expectations of being better or stronger. We are also affected by external expectations, from coworkers, parents, siblings, children or friends. If we have unrealistic expectations for ourselves or others, we may want to hide our feelings if they don't seem to meet those expectations. **Someone perfectionist could be even more at risk**, due to the incredibly high standards that are maintained. ## How is smiling depression diagnosed? " It is difficult to identify a person with smiling depression and when he can no longer hide his suffering, he goes to the psychologist and we can already carry out psychological therapy, which depending on each case, will sometimes require pharmacological support". According to an article by the World Health Organization (WHO), **l** **a smiling depression symptoms antithetical (conflicting) to classical depression. This can complicate the diagnostic process.** Other difficulties in diagnosing smiley depression is that many people do not even know they are depressed and do not seek help. If someone thinks they have depression, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. To be diagnosed with a Major Depressive Disorder, you must **have experienced a depressive episode lasting more than two weeks, most of the day, almost every day.** E symptoms hese affect how one feels, thinks and manages the daily activities such as sleeping, eating and working. ## What are the treatment options? Treatment for this type of depression is similar to other traditional treatments for major depressive disorder, **including medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.** " Cognitive behavioral psychological therapy offers satisfactory therapeutic results, as well as acceptance and commitment therapy and allows them to accept the situation, learn to recognize and express their emotions and use coping techniques to manage their mood, perfectionism and rigidity and lead a full life based on their own values ​​”, adds the psychologist. The most important step in finding a smiley depression treatment is opening up to someone around you, which may be a professional, a friend, or a family member. **Talking to a professional can be incredibly helpful for smiling depression symptoms**Since a professional can help devise personalized strategies to deal with it and tactics for negative thought processes. ## What's the outlook for smiley depression? Depression does not have just one face or appearance. When someone commits suicide, many people are stunned by the masks, or smiles, that they wore. For example, when actor and comedian Robin Williams committed suicide, many were shocked. “ It is as if they were wearing a mask before others, their smile and activity being observable by others since they are always active and spend all their time doing activities and working, setting demands that are unfeasible since even if they perform many tasks It seems to them that it is insufficient and more demands are made ”, says the expert. **Depression, no matter how it presents itself, can be a difficult and exhausting condition.** It is important to remember that there is always hope. And you have to seek help, since as with any other type of disease or condition, we must seek treatment. **Article Referenced:** - **https://www.psychological-consulting.com** - Bradley, S. (2019) Yes, ‘Smiling Depression’ Is A Thing—Here’s How To Know If You Have It.’ Available at: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27243083/smiling-depression/ [Accessed on August 5th 2020] - Elmer, J. (2014) ‘Smiling Depression: What You Need to Know.’ Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/smiling-depression#symptoms [Accessed on August 5th 2020] - Labeaune, R. (2014) ‘The Secret Pain of Smiling Depression.’ Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-guest-room/201411/the-secret-pain-smiling-depression [Accessed on August 5th 2020] - Morin, A. (2020) ‘Why Some People With Depression Look Happy on the Outside?’ Available at : https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-smiling-depression-4775918 [Accessed on August 5th 2020]
Originally posted here: https://hive.blog/hive-174578/@psicologiaexpres/is-it-possible-to-be-depressed-while-looking-happy