A key component of depression is feeling significantly sad and down. As such, if you have been smiling often, other people may not have suspected that you may be struggling with depression— and you may not have realized it, either.
Even if you have been smiling and acting cheerful, have you also been feeling exhausted and depressed, perhaps from keeping up appearances, or from avoiding your more difficult emotions?
It is important to be honest with yourself and assess whether or not you may be battling depression, so that you can address it sooner and seek proper help.
DISCLAIMER: This video is not intended to diagnose or self-treat. This video is also not meant for diagnosis or to attack anyone with these qualities or to diagnose any individual. If you believe you may be struggling with mental illness, please reach out to a trusted mental health provider.
We also made a video on smiling depression:
Writer: Paula C.
Script Editor: Brie Cerniglia
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
Voice: Amanda Silvera (www.youtube.com/amandasilvera)
Animator: sarimopi ( )
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong
References
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013.
Morin, A. (2021, March 23). Could you have smiling depression? Verywell Mind. Retrieved from www.verywellmind.com/what-is-smiling-depression-4775918
Rodriguez, C. (2021, June 22). Smiling depression: What it is, symptoms, and treatments. Psych Central. Retrieved from psychcentral.com/depression/smiling-depression/what-is-it
Rutherford, M. R. (2019, September 1). The 10 core traits of perfectly hidden depression. Psychology Today. Retrieved from www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/perfectly-hidden-depression/201909/the-10-core-traits-perfectly-hidden-depression
Rutherford, M. R. (2019, December 8). Do you have high-functioning or perfectly hidden depression? Psychology Today. Retrieved from www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/perfectly-hidden-depression/201912/do-you-have-high-functioning-or-perfectly-hidden-depression
Rutherford, M. R. (2021, July 22). How can a therapist “see” through the armor of perfectionism. Psychology Today. Retrieved July from www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/perfectly-hidden-depression/202107/how-can-therapist-see-through-the-armor-perfectionism
Talking to a Therapist Can Help You Cope With Depression
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Talking to a Therapist Can Help You Cope With Depression
Whether you’re coping with an emotional crisis or a mental health issue, talking to a therapist can help you to work through your feelings and make changes. Talking therapies such as counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy can be referred by your GP or you can refer yourself to the NHS’s psychological therapies service.
People with depression can experience a range of symptoms. Some symptoms may be mild and temporary, while others may be severe and last for weeks. Often, depression is diagnosed through a medical history and a mental health examination. If symptoms persist, you should consult a psychiatrist or mental health professional. The sooner you seek help, the better your chances of recovery.
When you talk to your therapist, it can help you understand your condition and identify what you’re doing that makes you feel depressed. Cognitive-behavioral therapy seeks to identify the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your depression. Other forms of therapy focus on family therapy or couples therapy, which aim to help couples or families work through issues that may be contributing to your depression. Others seek group therapy, which helps them connect with other people who share similar experiences.
The symptoms of major depression are varied and affect the entire body. They can last for weeks, months, or years. Although the symptoms can be intermittent, a treatment plan can help you regain control over your mood and daily life. If you have had a depression episode in the past, you are at a high risk for another one in the future.
If your doctor prescribes antidepressants for you, it’s important to keep in touch. Your health care team will review the risks and benefits of new medications and adjust your dose accordingly. Some antidepressants may not be appropriate for depression, so your doctor may need to prescribe a new drug or adjust your dose.
Many people with depression find that treatment is effective, but it’s important to stick with it and follow the treatment plan. If you’re struggling with depression, don’t skip a psychotherapy session or medication because the symptoms may return and you may experience withdrawal-like symptoms. Keeping your mind active with activities and hobbies is an effective strategy for coping with depression. It may help you reconnect with forgotten parts of your life and find a new interest in things you used to enjoy.
Psychotherapy is an alternative to antidepressants and can be an excellent treatment for depression. Psychotherapy involves working with an individual, family, or couples, and teaches the patient how to cope with situations similar to their own. Depending on your age and health condition, psychotherapy can last several weeks, or even months. During the course of treatment, you can expect to see significant improvements in your symptoms.
A health professional will perform a thorough examination, including a medical history and family history. They will also run blood tests and urine tests to rule out other illnesses that can cause depression-like symptoms.
