What is smiling depression?
Smiling Depression is a high-functioning depression, also known as persistent depressive disorder. This is a special type of emotional disorder, where all true thoughts and feelings are hidden behind a smile and a positive attitude. Although the patient always appears optimistic and happy on the outside, he or she struggles with thoughts, struggles with inner turmoil, and struggles with feelings of guilt and pessimism about the future.
Although smiling depression is not listed in the diagnostic manual of mental disorders, it is a fairly common condition.
Hidden symptoms of smiling depression
Common underlying symptoms in patients with smiling depression syndrome include:
Prolonged sadness and depression.
Changes in appetite, weight, sleep disturbances.
Tired, indifferent to everything.
Despair, self-pity, self-deprecation.
Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed.
Life energy is extremely low.
A person with smiling depression may experience some or all of the above symptoms. However, in public, these symptoms are rarely expressed. In the eyes of others, a person with smiling depression appears to be an active, cheerful, optimistic person with a stable job and a happy family. Therefore, the hidden symptoms of smiling depression are difficult to recognize.
Who is at risk for smiling depression?
According to a study conducted by the Center for Addiction and Mental Health, smiling depression often occurs when a person wants to hide their inner feelings in an attempt to not affect their outside life. People at risk of smiling depression:
- People who regularly use addictive substances.
- People who have just experienced a broken relationship or sudden changes or losses in life.
- Constantly seeing other people happy, harmonious and satisfied with life can also cause smiling depression.
- A study published in Cyberpsychology, behavior and Social Networking shows that spending too much time on social networking sites can also lead to depression and anxiety.
