The more we can shift the conversation to show positive role models living with depression-those who advocate for the mix of therapy, exercise, medication, sleep, diet-the less shame and stigma will be associated with it. Many people struggling with smiling depression are perfectionists, or they don’t want to appear weak or out of control. He was the last person I would have expected to do this.”Ĭreate awareness to de-stigmatize mental illness Many who have felt the impact of a friend’s suicide say the same thing: “I had no idea he was suffering. His life was one-of-a-kind, but unfortunately his story is not. We bought in to the façade and couldn’t see the pain hiding under the surface. Did we ever ask him how he was doing, if he was hurting or if he needed someone to listen to him for once? No. He was encouraging, thoughtful and went out of his way to attend and organize events. Often in a suit and always put together, he was who we aspired to be when we grew up. Active in our church and several nonprofits, he mentored many and loved connecting people. Was he disheveled, withdrawn and a downer to be around? Absolutely not. One of the deaths that shocked my community the most was the suicide of a Sunday school teacher and youth counselor. In some cases, having young children or being devoutly religious may serve as protective factors. Significant traumatic life changes-such as a recent job loss or divorce-are often predictors of suicide attempts, particularly in men. In contrast with a patient who has little energy to even get out of bed, chronically depressed patients who report a surge of energy might be more likely to initiate a suicide attempt. “Oftentimes, I am the only person in this individual’s immediate circle who is aware of how he or she is feeling on the inside,” said Dina Goldstein Silverman, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and assistant professor of psychiatry.Īccording to Silverman, there’s a troubling connection between smiling depression and suicide. Many don’t disclose their depression due to fear of discrimination from loved ones or employers. They’ve usually struggled with depression and/or debilitating anxiety for years and have had some experience with therapy or medication. Their façade is put together and accomplished.īut behind the mask and behind closed doors, their minds are filled with thoughts of worthlessness, inadequacy and despair.
DEPRESSION IM FINE QUOTES PROFESSIONAL
Their public, professional and social lives are not struggling. People with smiling depression are often partnered or married, employed and are quite accomplished and educated.
It’s a major depressive disorder with atypical symptoms, and as a result, many don’t know they’re depressed or don’t seek help. Smiling depression involves appearing happy to others and smiling through the pain, keeping the inner turmoil hidden. When I’m blonde, I’m the face of smiling depression.
When I’m blonde, I’m bubbly, social and easy to get along with. I literally let a little more of my darker side show. I’m best at hiding my depression when I’m blonde. She’s on to something, but in my case, she has it backwards. In her mind, darker hair is equivalent to a darker mood. “How are you? Really?” This is my mom’s standard line of questioning any time I dye my hair darker.
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