Often, smiles are mistaken as being happy, but the truth is that behind some smiles, pains are hidden that only the person smiling bears.
There is a quote that says:
“I hide my problems behind my smile.
Behind my smile
is a world of pain.
You think you know me,
but you have no idea.”
Our focus today is on depression.
What is depression?
Depression (major depressive disorder) according to psychiatry.org is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. The prevalence of depression in Nigeria is estimated at 3.1%.
Fortunately, it is treatable.
Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work or at home. Its symptoms can vary from mild to severe.
They include:
- • Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
- • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- • Change in appetite, weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
- • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- • Loss of energy or increased fatigued
- • Feeling worthless or guilty
- • Thoughts of death or suicide.
But we will discuss the hallmark “SMILING DEPRESSION”.
I know it sounds ridiculous but it’s nothing to laugh or joke about.
Smiling depression is simply appearing happy to others while internally suffering from depressive symptoms. A lot of people may seem happy and as though they’ve got everything figured out but struggle with depressive thoughts on a daily basis. They might be experiencing a failed relationship, career challenge, or constant feeling that “something isn’t right”, Their smile is then used as a mask to hide their true feelings.
People suffering from smiling depression show no external hint of their problem to the outside world. They often maintain full-time jobs, run a household, participate in sports, and have an active social life contrary to popular belief that depressed people are often gloomy.
Most people suffering from it refuse to acknowledge they are because they are afraid they might appear weak to other people.
Suicide is a major threat to persons suffering from smiling depression.
So, if you know anyone or you are suffering from Smiling Depression, reach out to a psychologist. The good news is that it is the most treatable mental health problem. It is possible to successfully navigate through this state of mind and be free from sadness.
In conclusion, is depression real? Yes, depression is real it doesn’t matter the social status, wealth, or riches. Anyone can suffer from depression. Accepting that you are depressed and seeking help is not a sign of weakness.
© Teacher Jesse (Acumen)
