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The symptoms of depression seem pretty easy to spot: disinterest in things you once loved, an attitude that can change overnight, a desire to eat all things (or none of the things).
But here's the thing: Sometimes you can not see this stuff, not because it's not there, but because it's hidden (yes, even for yourself). You can feel all these depressive feelings, but you still come to work (with your family and friends) with a smile.
This is what is called "smiling depression," which sounds paradoxical, but according to Heidi McKenzie, psyD, a clinical psychologist practicing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, depression and smile do not exclude each other . Here's what you need to know about "smiling depression," including what to do if you think you have it and how to get help.
What is "smiling depression"?
"People with depressive depression often hide the symptoms they experience," says McKenzie. "They can get up every day, get dressed, go to work, and continue to interact with others in ways that hide how bad they feel inside."
McKenzie says that smiling depression is basically another name for high functioning depression or persistent depressive disorder(PDD), a chronic level of sadness that may include changes in sleep or appetite, feelings of hopelessness or fatigue, panic attacks, and loss of interest in favorite activities. So it's a very real thing, and it can leave you very badly.
Okay but why have not I ever heard of "smiling depression"
If you are looking for a "smiling depression" in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), you will not find it, but the experts are comfortable enough to use the term as a substitute for mild disorder. Moderate depression categories, especially if it encourages a person to seek help for her symptoms when she may not be aware of her problem.
"I think it's important to use terms that people can identify with, that can de-stigmatize depression, and that can encourage people to say that they need to be able to talk about depression." "help," says Karen Stewart, MD, psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente in Atlanta, Georgia. "People might not know otherwise than what they experienced can be attributed to depression."
McKenzie agrees, explaining that the idea of "smiling depression" can do a lot to break the myth of the depressed person as a person who stays in bed all day with the blinds drawn.
While some depressed people find themselves bedridden (this can happen with major depressive disorder), many others are able to do their homework, take care of their family and even smile, laugh or maintain their sense humor, says McKenzie. Assuming you are well, because you do not fit the stereotype of mental illness, you could be detrimental to your health and well-being in the long run.
How do I know if I have a "smiling depression"?
There is no single answer here, but there are many signs and symptoms to watch for. If you feel completely exhausted at the end of each day and you do not know why, McKenzie tells you that you may be doing a lot of emotional work to overcome your depression. Here are some concrete examples of what this could give, according to McKenzie:
- You have to make a lot of effort to get up in the morning, do your hair and makeup, and get to work. Once there, you can play the role of happy employee (ask colleagues about their weekend projects or accept lunch invitations), but you could feel empty and disconnected while participating.
- You can manage your work day by balancing your budget or running a kindergarten clbad, but you find it hard to stay focused. When you finally come home, you are so exhausted that you neglect all your personal responsibilities and go to bed (or fall asleep on the couch) before dinner.
- Your personal care has totally dropped records. You spend so much energy respecting the bare minimum that you fail to train, make unhealthy food choices and avoid invitations to hang out with your friends.
- You are constantly experiencing a cycle of negative emotions, either by feeling guilty or ashamed of feeling depressed, or by reprimanding yourself for being lazy when you do not find the energy to do something.
- You dive into what you call "pbadive suicidal ideation", which means that you do not actively plan to commit suicide, but do not feel overwhelmed by the thought of dying suddenly (like in a car accident, for example) .
I think I could have "smiling depression." What am I doing now?
First, try to eliminate any idea of shame, blame or guilt badociated with the idea of depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 7% of Americans of all ages suffer from it each year. There is no reason to feel embarrbaded to say that you have it or that you need help.
Secondly, Stewart recommends that you make an appointment with your PCP or a mental health professional as soon as possible for a thorough evaluation if you have noticed symptoms that last most of the day for at least two weeks. An official diagnosis of depression and knowing which category it is important to find the right treatment.
Speaking of treatment, this is your third step. Fortunately, you have several options: lifestyle changes, therapy and medications, says Stewart. "You can choose from these three options or combine them."
According to Stewart, lifestyle changes involve paying attention to your diet, your sleep, and your exercise habits, while medications usually involve selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs), such as Prozac, Zoloft or Paxil, which can give you an essential boost to serotonin improving mood. And when it comes to therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy is a solid choice that, according to Dr. Stewart, will teach you how to manage your thoughts and behaviors to improve your overall mood.
Whatever treatment you choose, the key is to get help, both professionally, from trusted friends and family members. As with any other health problem, it will take time to feel better, but relief can be found.
"Working on a daily basis to develop a sense of compbadion for not being at its best is an important step to feel better," says McKenzie. "Know that this disease is highly treatable and take the necessary steps to seek help."
Sarah Bradley is an independent writer from Connecticut, where she lives with her husband and three sons.
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