Smiling Depression: Are You Really Happy?
What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘Depression’? The thing that comes must be the image of someone who is sad, crying, stressed, chaotic and messy. Is it true? Yes, it is. Then what if you see someone who is happy, always smiling, laughing, interested and excited? Are they classified as depressed people too? You will probably answer that, of course not. Ironically, your answer is not always correct. Those who look happy and smile can fall into depression. How could this happen? This is what is known as Smiling Depression.
Smiling Depression is a term for someone living with depression on the inside while appearing perfectly happy or content on the outside. On the inside however, they would be experiencing the distressful symptoms of depression.
Signs of Smiling Depression:
1. Lack of interest. Someone with Smiling Depression might not be interested with the things they used to enjoy.
2. Sleep problem. People might have different sleep problem. Some of them will get insomnia while the other struggle to get out of bed.
3. Weight loss/gain. Related to food, people will lose their appetite when stressed. However, there are also those who actually vent their stress by eating as much as possible. So it is not surprised if stressed people can end up losing or gaining weight drastically.
4. Appearing cheerful. It is really sad but true. People with Smiling Depression, that person is probably the most cheerful person around you.
Treatment Options for Smiling Depression:
1. See a psychiatrist or another mental health professional. It is important to talk to someone who can reinforce strategies how to deal with Smiling Depression.
2. Try to share feelings to a trusted friend or relative. Again, talking can help reduce the burden you are carrying. Your friend may not be able to immediately suggest what you should do, but that is more thank enough if your trusted person can be a good listener of your story.
3. Get close to nature. Fresh air can help to reduce stress. You will find peace in each of its beauty.
4. Engage in positive stress-releasing activities. It can be by exercising, painting, making art, or even just listening to music.
Recognising the presence of people with Smiling Depression is not easy. Moreover, they tend to be people who are always ready with their masks. As people who care about society, what we can do is not to be judgmental towards others and always normalize mental health issues.
-Northern Ingo-
