Suicide is one of the most overwhelming consequences of depression: there is no definite reason and there are many signs when a person is assumed or diagnosed with depression. But there are some cases in which depression is not noticeable which, in many cases, can be called smiling depression.
An extroverted, sociable, cheerful and dynamic person can be depressed, know it and never show it. We usually associate depression with people who seem sad, very serious, melancholic or lonely. But they are not the only people who can suffer from it.
What Is Smiling Depression
Smiling depression is the condition in which a person is depressed but does not show any of the symptoms that are commonly associated with this condition such as sadness, melancholy, solitary habits, poor socialization, listlessness or reclusiveness; on the contrary, they are outgoing, cheerful and sociable people but have some symptoms that indicate that depression is present.
It is not the same for a person to have an event that makes them sad and seek to be cheerful as it is for a person to be always down and have to create strategies to hide it, thus demonstrating that they always feel okay.
Symptoms of Smiling Depression
The following list include some symptoms of smiling depression, but this does not mean that by having any of them, you already have the condition. It is also important to note that people with smiling depression have more difficulty being diagnosed because they do not accept having a problem.
- They show themselves as people who are always willing, friendly, sociable and without any difficulties when interacting with others.
- They keep themselves active and busy all day long as a way to escape from their problems.
- They frequently take care of other people’s problems.
- When they are asked how are they doing or if there is something wrong going on with them, they flatly state that everything is fine, there is no problem going on, etc. They avoid the subject and hide it.
- They always convey the idea that everything is fine and that they are not fragile.
- Their social image and physical appearance are a priority in their daily life.
- They tend to be highly perfectionistic.
- Sleeping disorder is their companion, whether they sleep too little or too much.
- Excessively seeking affection and acceptance.
- They may have eating disorders, as one may lead to another, their relationship is bidirectional.
- Their character becomes fickle and they tend to be explosive or irritable.
- They tend to lose interest and enjoyment in things that used to be of interest to them and seek new distractions.
Treatment for Smiling Depression
The first and most important step for treatment is that the person accepts that they are not well and no longer seek to disguise their feelings. Human beings do not always remain in a state of happiness or sadness, unless they have a medical condition. In general, life is a mixture of emotions, feelings and thoughts.
When the person recognizes that something is not right, the best thing to do is to approach those you trust and tell them that something is wrong, sometimes talking is a great first step to be able to find help.
Once this is recognized, the next step is to seek professional help. Psychological therapy is what should be undertaken to treat this condition as any other depressive condition.
If you know someone who you think is hiding their emotions behind a smile, it is important to talk to that person with empathy and comprehension, telling them about your feelings and personal experiences will open a bond of trust.
Smiling Depression should be treated by a specialist, otherwise the person could be at risk of committing suicide.
This story was originally written in Spanish by Cultura Colectiva.