Smiling Depression

Smiling depression is a type of depression that makes it masked and harder to be recognized and diagnosed.

Smiling depression

Smiling depression is an atypical type of it that has been emerging lately. It’s called masked depression because when people want to hide their feelings and inner struggles, they tend to wear smiling as a mask to make people think that they are happy and nothing is wrong with them.

Causes and risk factors of smiling depression

There isn’t a specific reason for developing smiling depression. However, people in general smile while being depressed because of embarrassment, not wanting to appear weak, being afraid of backlash, fear of burdening others, denial, unrealistic thoughts about happiness, or perfectionism.

The risk of smiling depression increases in:

• The culture of certain environments that don’t encourage expressing inner feelings and struggles.
• A type of chronic depression that’s called persistent depressive disorder, which may last for years.
• Men who are pressured by traditional masculinity norms and teens and young adults, mostly who are active on social media.
• The existence of other health conditions, such as chronic illnesses and previous traumas.

Symptoms of smiling depression

Symptoms of smiling depression are the same as classic depression but without showing them.

To be diagnosed as a depressed person, five or more of the following symptoms must have existed within the same two-week period (at least one of the symptoms must be a depressed mood or loss of interest):

• Depressed mode almost every day and throughout most of the day.
• Decreased interest and pleasure in all or most of the activities.
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt nearly all the days.
• Reduced ability of thinking and focusing.
• Slowing down of thought and declined physical movement.
• Lack of energy and weakness almost every day.
• Unintentional weight loss.
• Frequent suicidal and death thoughts.

Smiling depression is a serious condition, and it can lead to physical aftermaths like chronic stress, digestive issues, cardiovascular problems, and self-harm.

Diagnosis of smiling depression

It’s hard to diagnose smiling depression because no one can notice any changes in the patient.

People with depression must have:

• Physical exam.
• Certain lab tests, including thyroid function and vitamin B12 tests.
• Psychological evaluation.

Treatment of smiling depression

You have to encourage yourself to seek help when you feel anything disruptive.

Treatment generally includes:

• Psychological therapy.
• Exercising.
• Social support.
• Lifestyle adjustments.
• Medications.