When it comes to depression, what comes to your mind first may be a picture of sighing, frowning, and crying. Have you ever been very surprised one day to hear that someone has committed suicide, and this friend you know has always left you with an impression of being cheerful and sunny, to the extent that you cannot believe it’s true?
Yes, those expressions above are indeed typical symptoms that depressed individuals often exhibit. However, there is a kind of depression that often shows a positive and normal behavior to everyone with a smiling face. Yet, it always strikes unexpectedly at those unprepared, known as smiling depression. The well-known singer Coco Lee is such a patient, who eventually tragically ended her life.
In today’s rapidly developing economy, there are increasing cases of smiling depression, especially among high-income, highly educated, and high-status individuals. Their inner selves are also filled with sadness, feeling gloomy, loss of interest, loss of pleasure, decreased energy, worse sleep, and even thoughts of death. The symptoms of depression may manifest in various ways among them. It’s just that, for various reasons, they have to put on a “brave face” mask to show a good face of being “competent” or providing “smiling service, excellent service.”
The occurrence rate of smiling depression is related to gender and personality, and is closely related to factors such as occupation and family. Generally, the incidence rate is higher in males than females, and introverted individuals are not good at relieving stress, thus more susceptible to the disease. Additionally, the high education, high-income population, especially senior management personnel, administrative staff, and service industry workers, are relatively more prone to this condition.
In addition to the symptoms of depression itself such as loss of appetite, sleep disorders, which may cause damage to the body, the more serious issue is the long-term suppression of negative emotions with a smile, leading to feelings of “this is not the real me,” and eventually resulting in suicide or self-harm. Smiling depression, due to its hidden nature, diagnosis and treatment are often delayed, making it more likely to recur due to various reasons.
What should one do if they suspect themselves or someone around them has smiling depression? Please seek professional institutions as soon as possible and undergo systematic treatment using proper and legitimate methods. Methods such as psychotherapy have always been one of the most important treatment methods for depression; in addition, light therapy, music therapy, etc. can be used; if necessary, medication therapy can also be combined. However, apart from treatment, it is more important for us to learn prevention and self-rescue.
Smiling is not a magic cure-all. Taking off the mask of a “brave face,” venting emotions in time, changing one’s values, adjusting lifestyle, etc., all help prevent the occurrence of smiling depression.
In conclusion, facing this “smiling tiger” of smiling depression, we not only need to care more about our mental health but also about every person around us. Starting from the heart, paying attention to details, to prevent more serious adverse consequences from happening.
【Important reminder: This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or treatment. Please seek medical advice and follow the doctor’s instructions】
【Source: Hengyang Second People’s Hospital, Peng Xing】
【Editor: XC】
