Do you often pretend to be happy in front of others, but feel empty and hopeless on the inside? Do you feel like you have to appear perfect so as not to let others down? Are you worried that if you share your pain with others, they will think you are weak or ungrateful? If your answer is yes, then you may be suffering from a mood disorder called smile depression.
Smiling depression is not a formal medical diagnosis, but a term used to describe people who appear to be happy but are actually suffering from depression or anxiety. These people often deny that they have any problems and are even less honest with themselves. They may function well at work, school, or socially, but privately feel lonely, helpless, and hopeless.
Risk Factors and Effects of Smiling Depression
Smiling depression is a form of high-functioning depression, meaning the sufferer can function normally in daily life but is unable to enjoy life’s pleasures. Patients with smile depression are often perfectionists or have a strong desire for achievement. They care very much about their own image and reputation and are unwilling to show their vulnerabilities and imperfections to others. They may mask their sadness and pain with excessive smiles and energy, but deep down, they may feel like a fraud and feel ashamed and guilty for their low mood.
Smiling depression can be harder to detect and treat than other types of depression because neither the sufferer nor those around them may realize they need help. This also puts them at greater risk of suicide because they have the ability to formulate and execute suicide plans without anyone being able to stop them in time. In addition, people with SMI may have difficulty coping with major life challenges and changes, such as divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one.
Smile Depression Symptoms and Diagnosis
The symptoms of smiling depression are similar to those of other depressions, such as feeling sad, frustrated, bored, powerless, anxious, insomnia, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, etc. However, patients with smiling depression will hide these symptoms in public or when interacting with others, showing a positive, optimistic, and confident attitude, and only reveal their true emotions when they are alone. People with smiling depression may also have some of the following characteristics:
- Frequent back pain, headaches and other physical discomforts
- Lack of true friends or confidants, difficulty in establishing close relationships
-Use alcohol or other drugs to relieve your mood
If you suspect that you may be suffering from smile depression, you should seek help from a professional psychologist or psychotherapist as soon as possible. During the consultation process, you should try to express your feelings and troubles as honestly as possible without continuing to pretend or deny them. Your doctor or therapist will provide you with appropriate treatment options based on your situation, such as antidepressants, psychotherapy, or other alternative therapies.
Free online psychological test
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Smiling Depression Self-Care and Prevention
In addition to seeking professional treatment, you can also improve your mental state and quality of life through some self-care techniques. Here are some helpful suggestions:
- Share your feelings with a trusted friend or loved one and let them know you need their support and understanding. You don’t have to feel ashamed or guilty about your emotions, you’re not alone.
- Spend more time outdoors, enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, and get close to nature. This can help you relax and improve your mood and self-esteem.
- Insist on moderate exercise, such as walking, running, swimming or yoga. Exercise releases endorphins in your body, making you feel happy and satisfied.
- Do some creative activities that you enjoy, such as listening to music, drawing, writing or doing crafts. This can help you express your emotions, inspire you, and increase your sense of accomplishment.
- Practice meditation or other relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or self-suggestion. This can help you reduce your stress, calm your mind, and increase your self-awareness.
Finally, you have to remember that being true to yourself is the key to getting rid of smile depression. You don’t have to sacrifice your happiness to please others, and you don’t have to hide your true feelings to conform to society’s expectations. You have the right to feel your emotions and you have the power to change your life. You deserve to be loved and you deserve to be happy.
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