Do you often pretend to be happy in front of outsiders, but your heart is filled with emptiness and despair? Do you feel that you must show a perfect image so as not to disappoint others? Are you worried that contributing to pain will be regarded as weakness or ignorant of gratitude? If the answer is yes, you may be suffering from a mood disorder called Smiling Depression.
What is Smiling Depression
Smiling depression is not a formal medical diagnosis, but a term used to describe people who appear to be cheerful but are actually deeply trapped in the mud of depression or anxiety. This type of person usually denies that there are problems in themselves and is not even honest with themselves. They excel at work, study or socialize, but privately suffer from loneliness, helplessness and despair.
Risk factors and effects of smiling depression
Smiling depression is a high-function depression. Although patients can maintain daily life, they cannot experience the joy of life. Most patients are perfectionists or have a strong desire to achieve, care about their own image and reputation, and are unwilling to expose their fragility and imperfections. They often hide their sorrow and pain with excessive smiles and vitality, but they feel like liars in their hearts, and feel ashamed and guilty because of their depression.
Compared with other types of depression, smiling depression is more difficult to detect and treat, because neither the patient nor the people around him realize that it needs help. This also makes them more likely to fall into suicide risk, because they are able to plan and implement suicide plans, but others are unable to stop them in time. In addition, in the face of major challenges and changes in life, such as divorce, unemployment or death of a loved one, it may be more difficult for patients with smiling depression to deal with it.
Symptoms and diagnosis of Smiling Depression
Symptoms of depression are mostly similar to other depressions, such as sadness, depression, boredom, weakness, anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, inattention, etc. However, patients with smiling depression hide these symptoms in public or when interacting with others, showing a positive, optimistic, and confident side, and only reveal their true emotions when they are alone. In addition, patients with smiling depression may also have the following characteristics:
- Frequent physical discomfort such as back pain, headaches, etc.
- It is difficult to establish intimate relationships without real friends or close friends.
- Relieve emotions with alcohol or other medications.
If you suspect that you may suffer from smiling depression, you should seek help from a professional psychologist or psychotherapist as soon as possible. During the consultation process, you must express your feelings and troubles frankly, and do not continue to pretend or deny them. The doctor or therapist will provide appropriate treatment options, such as antidepressants, psychotherapy or other alternative therapies, depending on the circumstances.
Free online psychological test: Want to know if you have a tendency to smile and depression? You might as well refer to this psychological test: Smile Depression Prone Test
Self-care and prevention of Smiling Depression
In addition to professional treatment, you can also improve your psychological state and quality of life through self-care. Here are some practical suggestions:
- Talk honestly: Share your feelings with trusted friends or relatives to let them know that you need support and understanding. There is no need to feel ashamed or guilty about your emotions, you are not facing it alone.
- Get close to nature: Spend more time outdoors, enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, and get intimate with nature. This helps relax the body and mind, improve emotions and self-esteem.
- Persist in exercise: Persist in moderate exercise, such as walking, running, swimming or yoga. Exercise can release endorphins in the body, bringing happiness and satisfaction.
- Talk into creation: Participate in creative activities you like, such as listening to music, drawing, writing or doing handicrafts. This helps express emotions, inspire inspiration, and enhances a sense of accomplishment.
- Practice Relaxation: Practice meditation or other relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness or self-suggestion, etc. This can relieve stress, calm the mind, and enhance self-awareness.
Conclusion
**Finally, remember that being your true self is the key to getting rid of smiling depression. There is no need to sacrifice one’s own happiness to please others, and there is no need to hide true feelings to cater to social expectations. You have the right to feel your emotions and the ability to change your life. You deserve to be loved and you deserve happiness. **
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