“Smiling depression” is a term used to describe people who havedepressionyet smile and look happy.
It isn’t a true diagnosis, but one way that people withmajor depressive disorderpresent themselves to others.
This article will discuss smiling depression symptoms and treatment.
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It will also cover the factors that lead to smiling depression.
They may lose interest in hobbies or activities they typically enjoy.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
Masking Depression by Smiling
In smilingdepression, people mask their depression by keeping a happy outward appearance.
Despite feeling symptoms of depression on the inside, they keep a smile on their face.
The happy disposition can make it difficult for those around them to know they havedepression.
A person might mask their depression as a way to avoid seeking treatment.
Functional Depression
Functional depression is similar to smiling depression.
It is not a medical diagnosis or medically recognized term.
Does Smiling Help Depression?
A commonly held thought is thatsmilingcan help improve a person’s mood and may help depression.
Smiling doesn’t seem to hurt a person’smood.
But there isn’t strong research to show smiling dramatically improves mood.
Using Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) injections to reduce frowning is being explored as a treatment for depression.
The theory is that frowning reinforces negative emotions in a feedback loop.
As an individual, you may find smiling or reducing frowning helps improve your mood.
While there is no harm in trying, the research is not strong enough to recommend it.
A person’sgenetics, environment, and psychology all play a part in depression.
Someone may smile when they are depressed so others around them do not suspect anything is wrong.
Smiling can be a way for some people to mask their depression.
If you are experiencing depression symptoms, contact a healthcare provider for an evaluation.
They can screen for depression and other mood disorders and may refer you to a mental health specialist.
Symptoms and symptom duration are used todiagnosemajor depressive disorder.
When the healthcare provider asks questions, it’s crucial to provide honest answers.
This will allow the provider to properly determine if someone has depression and the best treatment plan.
The primary treatments are medication and psychotherapy.
Below are more details about treatment options.
Medication
Medications calledantidepressantsare commonly used to treat depression.
Antidepressants work by helping the brain produce certain molecules or by changing how the brain uses certain molecules.
No one should stop taking an antidepressant before talking to their healthcare provider.
Sometimes, people will start to feel better with an antidepressant and think they can stop.
This can causewithdrawalside effects or symptoms to return if not tapered correctly (dosages reduced stepwise).
Psychotherapy is generally used in conjunction with medication for people with moderate to severe depression.
Self-Care
Self-care is an important piece to managing smiling depression symptoms.
Depression can cause people to avoid social situations and stop participating in their favorite activities.
Diagnosis and treatment for smiling depression are the same as major depressive disorder.
Do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider when experiencing depression symptoms.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.What you oughta know about “smiling depression.”
World Health Organization.Depressive disorder (depression).
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National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.
