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Imagine a person suffering from depression. Most likely, you will imagine someone who has a hard time bringing himself to even get out of bed. Perhaps he cries often, avoids socializing with friends, or barely finds the strength to live another day.
It is unlikely that you will imagine this person joking cheerfully at dinner, leading a busy social life and achieving success at work.
However, this is exactly what people suffering from so-called “smiling depression” may look like.
And sometimes this cheerfulness can mislead not only friends or colleagues, but also the person himself.
What is "smiling depression"?
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"Smiling depression" is not an officially recognized diagnosis, but searches for the term have increased by 50% in the past five years.
“This is a condition in which a person appears happy on the outside but is actually feeling down and suffering from depression,” explains Dr. Olivia Remes, a mental health researcher at the University of Cambridge in the UK.
Every one of us experiences depression from time to time. However, according to the World Health Organization, 322 million people worldwide experience such experiences as depression.
This is a condition in which symptoms such as persistent sadness or loss of interest in life and the ability to enjoy life persist for weeks or months, affecting work, relationships, sleep and daily life.
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However, depression does not always manifest itself in the way we used to imagine. Moreover, research shows that up to 40% of people with depression experience an atypical form of depression, the symptoms of which differ from the usual ideas about this disease.
For example, a person may sleep or eat more than usual, and not less, as is commonly believed. However, his mood may temporarily improve when something good or exciting happens.
In addition, there is scientific evidence indicating that people with depression are able to hide their feelings through so-called masking. This is the name for behavior in which a person tries not to show certain character traits or emotions so as not to stand out among others.
Why do people hide depression?
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Some people with smiling depression don't even know they have the disorder and therefore don't realize they're hiding it from others.
“They may believe that their symptoms are just a consequence of a busy, stressful life,” says Remes.
Others understand that they are experiencing psychological difficulties, but make every effort to ensure that no one notices. This behavior is especially common among perfectionists and people with a heightened sense of responsibility.
“They have very high expectations of themselves and may not want to admit to themselves or others that they are having a hard time,” the researcher explains.
Some are afraid of social judgment and do not want to burden others with their problems. Research shows that people may also fear negative evaluation from others or the consequences that admitting their difficulties might have on their work or personal relationships.
Cultural norms and family expectations can also prevent people from talking openly about their experiences.
Why is it dangerous to hide depression?
According to experts, the desire to maintain the appearance of well-being can be dangerous.
“Depression makes us withdrawn and lonely, when one of the best ways to cope with low mood is often to be with other people,” says Professor Barney Dunn, a clinical psychologist at the University of Exeter in the UK.
In addition, by hiding their condition, people risk being left without the necessary help.
“If these early signs are not addressed promptly, problems can snowball into a serious, chronic disorder and increase the risk of suicide,” warns Remes.
Seven signs of depression that are easy to miss
Some changes in your condition are easy to miss, especially if outwardly it seems that you are coping with everything perfectly.
1. You stopped enjoying your usual activities.
If something you usually look forward to—seeing friends, going to the gym, or even watching your favorite TV series—starts to feel like a burdensome chore, it’s worth thinking about why.
“It’s easy to chalk up a lack of enjoyment or interest in your usual hobbies to being busy and busy,” says Remes.
2. You feel unusual heaviness in your arms or legs
This condition, known as “lead paralysis,” is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the limbs that makes even normal movements require additional effort. It may be one of the signs of atypical depression.
3. You constantly cancel meetings and plans.
In the company of other people, you may appear cheerful, cheerful, and full of energy. However, when your mood worsens and it becomes more difficult to hide your true feelings, you begin to refuse planned meetings.
4. You're sleeping more than usual but still feel exhausted.
You may continue to do all your normal activities while feeling increasingly exhausted.
“Evenings can be especially difficult,” Remes explains. “People with this condition often feel worse towards the end of the day and may need more sleep than usual.”
5. You have become more sensitive to criticism or rejection.
A casual remark from your boss or a friend's message about canceling a meeting can hit you much harder than before.
According to Remes, increased sensitivity to criticism or rejection is one of the characteristic features of atypical depression. This reaction also occurs in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
6. You always try to be the life of the party or help others
A person suffering from depression does not always withdraw into himself and avoid communication. Often the exact opposite happens: he becomes the life of the party, throws himself into his work, or tries his best to help other people.
7. You constantly criticize yourself mentally.
Outwardly, you may give the impression of being a confident person, but at the same time, in your heart you are much more critical of yourself.
Lack of self-confidence, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of inner emptiness can be warning signs of depression.
What can help?
However, the term “smiling depression” itself has its critics.
While the expression helps people recognize their condition and name what they're experiencing, it can also oversimplify a complex psychological phenomenon, Remes said.
“The word 'smiling' evokes joy and happiness,” she says. “However, the main features of this condition are actually a feeling of hopelessness, inner emptiness and worthlessness.”
Dunn advises starting small: try sharing a little about your experiences with someone you trust.
“People are often surprised to find that such openness helps strengthen relationships with others, feel close to them and understand that they are not alone in their experiences,” says the psychologist.
If you find it difficult to cope with your condition, he recommends seeing a doctor.
“There is strong scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of both talk therapy, antidepressants and various social support methods,” Dunn notes.
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