All of us characterise depression with extreme lethargy, sadness, and inability to do anything. However, a lot of people with depression can still be performing their daily tasks, fulfilling their responsibilities, excelling in their careers, maintaining relationships, and participating in social activities. However, beneath this facade of success and happiness, these individuals are grappling with significant depressive symptoms.
Highlighting the dangers of ‘smiling depression,’ the University of Michigan published an article on its website that stated, ‘Smiling depression may seem like it's easier to deal with, but it can persist for years, leading to more functional impairment over time than acute episodes of major depression. Research has shown that the low self-esteem, lack of energy, irritability, and decrease in productivity that accompany persistent depression are associated with significant long-term social dysfunction, psychiatric hospitalisations, and high rates of suicide attempts. And, ironically, persistent depression also puts people at a higher risk for major depressive episodes with more severe symptoms.’
Understanding Smiling Depression
One of the defining features of smiling depression is the skilful concealment of emotional pain. Those experiencing it become adept at hiding their feelings, often due to societal pressures or the fear of being stigmatised. To understand this form of depression better, the team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr Sayantani Mukherjee, Consultant, Psychiatry, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, who commented, “Recognising this form of smiling depression can be challenging, as those affected often don't display the classic signs associated with depression. However, there are subtle indicators that may point to this condition.”
Also Read: Mental Health Matters: Subtle Traits In People With Concealed Depression
She listed a set of symptoms to help people recognise better whether they could be dealing with depression despite performing well in life:
- Persistent Sadness: Individuals may experience a prolonged sense of sadness or emptiness, even though they seem content on the surface.
- Fatigue: Constant fatigue and a lack of energy can be common symptoms, making it challenging to maintain a high level of functioning.
- Irritability: Smiling depression may manifest as increased irritability or frustration, leading to conflicts in personal and professional relationships.
- Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or oversleeping are often experienced in this condition. This can disrupt sleep patterns, further contributing to emotional distress.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Cognitive difficulties, such as poor concentration and memory problems also manifest in many people, and it may affect their performance at work or school.
- Physical Symptoms: Physical complaints like headaches, digestive issues, or unexplained aches and pains are often seen in smiling depression. Additionally, ailments like low immunity, hair loss, eczema, psoriasis, skin rashes, and panic attacks characterised by breathlessness are also commonplace.
Seeking Help For Smiling Depression
Dr Mukherjee shared, “Smiling depression is often seen in people who are burdened by a lot of responsibility. It can also be tied to personality traits such as the inability to let yourself rest for a while, take care of yourself, or say no to obligations. This can be exceptionally harmful as it delays appropriate diagnosis and can result in the manifestation of much crippling depression and health issues.”
Also Read: Symptoms Of Depression That Are Often Missed
She urged everyone who suspects that they have or know someone who might be suffering from smiling depression to take immediate action. Listing a set of steps you can start employing right away, Dr Mukherjee stated:
- Acknowledge Feelings: Admit that your feelings are valid and seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional.
- Self-Care: Prioritise self-care practices like exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and mindfulness techniques to manage symptoms.
- Support Groups: Joining support groups or online communities can provide a sense of belonging and understanding.
- Set Realistic Goals: Adjust your expectations and set achievable goals to reduce the pressure to perform at an unsustainable level.
There is no shame in accepting that you need help. One good thing about smiling depression is that people plagued by this disease are highly equipped to handle the worst, so they might not even need other’s support to pull themselves out of this mental health disorder. However, if you are surrounded by people who can validate your feelings, do not hesitate to reach out. Remember, you are only human and your feelings matter, Ignoring your symptoms will not help you to fight this disease, but put you at a greater risk of severe depression later in life. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and can lead to a path of healing and recovery.