Depression is a common mood disorder, with patients often showing significant and persistent depressive symptoms during the course of the illness. This is a common manifestation for most depression patients. However, a small percentage of depression patients have what is known as smiling depression. During the onset of the illness, it is difficult to detect the signs of the disease through outward appearances for these patients. They often use smiling to disguise their condition, making it hard for inexperienced individuals to recognize that these individuals are struggling with depression, which poses a threat to their health. So, what signs should one be wary of in case of smiling depression?
1. Unexplained anxiety and frequent panic
As smiling depression progresses, it can also impact a person’s physical health. Individuals who experience unexplained anxiety and panic attacks may be exhibiting symptoms of smiling depression. Smiling depression patients often maintain an optimistic and positive attitude towards various aspects of life when interacting with others. However, when alone, they tend to fall into a state of pessimism and gloominess, leading to feelings of anxiety and panic.
Under the influence of these negative emotions, a person may feel lethargic, experience decreased appetite, and may even suffer from insomnia. In such cases, unexplained panic and anxiety could be warning signs of smiling depression, and it is essential to actively seek ways to improve the situation; otherwise, the condition may worsen.
2. Concealing emotions frequently
If someone goes to great lengths to hide their behaviors, it is likely a case of smiling depression. Most smiling depression patients exhibit behaviors that are similar to those of normal individuals in daily life, as a way to protect themselves.
Struggling with depression alone, they may present a positive and optimistic facade when interacting with others, masking their true emotional state. Such deceptive behavior is a common characteristic of smiling depression and should be a cause for concern for those exhibiting such signs.
3. Always smiling
Individuals with smiling depression may be more inclined to smile frequently as a way to protect themselves, which is why the condition is referred to as smiling depression. Even during periods of suffering and anguish, they tend to display a smiling demeanor when in the presence of others, avoiding any indication of their depression and consistently using a smiling facade as a means of communication.
When faced with this situation, despite deep internal pain, it indicates a potential presence of depression. Timely treatment is necessary for control; otherwise, if smiling depression goes undetected and untreated, the condition can worsen, posing a threat to one’s physical health.
Based on the information above, it is evident that smiling depression is a type of depression that is harder to detect and often involves concealment by the patients. Detecting the early signs of the disease, taking appropriate measures for improvement, is crucial in preventing the escalation of smiling depression. Severe depression may lead individuals to contemplate suicide, resulting in serious consequences.
