Many people think that depression is only “real” when someone can’t get out of bed in the morning, or can’t function in every day life. However, many people struggle with depression but still seem happy to others on the outside. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 10% of the United States suffers from depression, which means this mental health condition is much more common than you may think.
Smiling depression, as it’s called, is when someone has depression while appearing perfectly happy on the outside. Their public appearance seems to be normal and put together. Smiling depression often goes uncured because these people are high functioning members of society who hold down jobs and act “normal” to others.
The Signs & Symptoms of Smiling Depression
Someone with smiling depression would appear happy and content to others on the outside. But inside, their symptoms would be any or all of the following:
• Feeling of hopelessness
• Lack of self esteem or self worth
• Feeling excessively tired
• Changes in appetite, sleep or weight
• Loss of interest in activities
On the outside, a person with smiling depression may be:
• An active, energetic, high-functioning individual
• Someone with a steady job and a healthy family and social life
• Acting cheerful, optimistic, and generally happy
You may feel like you are putting on a happy exterior, but inside you may be thinking that showing signs of depression would be a sign of weakness, or that you don’t want to burden anyone by expressing your real feelings. You may even believe that you are totally fine and not depressed at all—after all, other people have it much worse than you, right?
Don’t chalk your symptoms off as nothing—if you need depression treatment, the sooner you start, the better the chances you’ll be able to effectively address your sadness.
Depression Treatment Options
Treatment for smiling depression is the same as other depressive disorders: psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. A few steps in the right direction include:
Acknowledging that you have smiling depression. Acknowledging its existence can help give you the courage you need to talk to someone.
Find a trusted friend to see if it helps discussing it with someone. It can be hard to be vulnerable but opening yourself up can be the first step to recovery.
Nurture your self-esteem. Give yourself the compassion and empathy as if a friend was telling you that he or she has depression.
Make some lifestyle changes. Eating whole nutrient dense foods, getting enough sleep and reducing stress all helps reduce depression symptoms.
See a professional. Getting some psychotherapy sessions will be one of the most effective ways to help with depression. Your therapist can find out the root cause and prescribe medications if needed.
If you are feeling hopeless or depressed, contact Ketamine Greater Boston or Ketamine West Hartford to learn if you are a candidate for ketamine infusions.
Contact Ketamine Greater Boston & Ketamine West Hartford
Contact our Greater Boston area or West Hartford, CT ketamine clinics today for a free consultation. Our professional staff is here to answer questions, or concerns, you may have about ketamine infusions. We want yours to be the next life saved. There is hope for the future, contact us to find it.
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