A subscriber sent this and commented, “This goes along with all the talk of suicide in our industry.”
Smiling depression includes appearing happy to others and smiling through pain, keeping inner turmoil hidden. It is a recognized depressive disorder with atypical symptoms. As a result, many don’t know they’re depressed and don’t seek help. People with smiling depression are often partnered or married, employed and are quite accomplished and educated. Their public, professional and social lives are not struggles.
Their facade is well put together and accomplished. Behind the mask, their minds are filled with thoughts of worthlessness, inadequacy and despair. They’ve usually struggled with depression and/or debilitating anxiety for years and have had some experience with therapy or medication.
Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness, September 2, 2016.
There’s a troubling connection between smiling depression and suicide. In contrast with a patient who has little energy to even get out of bed, chronically depressed patients who report a surge of energy might be more likely to initiate a suicide attempt. Significant traumatic life changes — such as a recent job loss or divorce — are often predictors of suicide attempts, particularly in men.