Smiling depression: Doctor explains how some people use happiness as a mask
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Just smile and go on with your day.” It sounds simple and almost comforting. But what if, behind the laughter and light-hearted conversations, there’s something far heavier waiting to be acknowledged? For some people, happiness can be a mask - a mask hiding something ins
By Toi Lifestyle Desk
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Just smile and go on with your day.” It sounds simple and almost comforting.
But what if, behind the laughter and light-hearted conversations, there’s something far heavier waiting to be acknowledged? For some people, happiness can be a mask - a mask hiding something insidious.
According to Dr Myro Figura, a board-certified anaesthetist based in Los Angeles, depression doesn’t always show up the way we expect it to.
In fact, some of the happiest-looking people around might be struggling with what’s known as ‘smiling depression’.
What is that? Let’s take a look.What is the first image that pops up in your head when you hear the word depression? Someone sitting alone in a dark room, withdrawn from the world, visibly struggling? That’s the version we’ve been conditioned to recognise. “Depression might not always appear the way you think,” Dr Figura said in a video shared on Facebook.
Smiling depression is quieter and harder to identify.
This is when someone appears outwardly happy, functional, and cheerful while internally battling serious mental health struggles.
Smiling depression isn’t a formal clinical term or a recognised diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR), the standard reference guide used by most mental health professionals in the United States.People with smiling depression are masters at masking the pain.
They might appear as the happiest individuals in the world.
Dr Figura shared a video of a woman with the condition.
The woman looks euphoric in the video, recorded hours before ending her own life. “This was 12 hours before she took her life.
This is what depression can look like.
This is smiling depression, it’s the worst kind.
She’s masking her pain,” the doctor shared.According to the doctor, smiling depression is the worst kind.
One can hardly tell that the person is enduring pain. “In some cases, a suicidal person can appear calmer or happier once they have made a decision to end their life.
This change comes from a feeling of relief.
It’s not because they’re feeling better, but because they believe that their suffering will end soon,” he explained.
Dr Figura called it a red flag, ‘especially if it follows a period of deep depression’.Don’t just assume that someone who looks happy is actually doing OK.
A person can seem happy and yet suffer internally.
According to WebMD, some of the internal signs of smiling depression include:AnxietyFeeling emptyFeeling hopeless or pessimisticFeeling irritable, frustrated, or restlessFeeling guilty, worthless, or helplessFatigue, lack of energy, or feeling slowed downTrouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisionsTrouble sleepingSuicidal thoughtsSo how do you know if a loved one is experiencing smiling depression? Well, start with having a conversation: Ask the deeper questions.
Create space for honest conversations.
Pay attention to those unexpected shifts in mood, especially if they follow difficult periods.
Encourage them to get the help they need.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or mental health advice.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression or having suicidal thoughts, seek help from a qualified mental health professional or contact a local helpline immediately.