HIDDEN DEPRESSION: 5 Signs You're Smiling, But Depressed

The main component of depression is feelings of sadness and sadness. For example, if you smile a lot, others may not suspect that you are struggling with depression—and you may not realize it either.

Even though you always smile and have a cheerful attitude, do you ever feel tired and stressed, perhaps because of keeping up appearances, or because you are avoiding more difficult emotions?

It's important to be honest with yourself and assess whether you are struggling with depression, so you can overcome it sooner and seek appropriate help.

DISCLAIMER: This video is not intended to self-diagnose or treat. This video is also not intended to diagnose or attack anyone who possesses these qualities or to diagnose any individual. If you believe you may be struggling with a mental illness, contact a trusted mental health provider.

Author: Paula C.
Script Editor: Brie Cerniglia
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
Voice: Amanda Silvera ( / amandasilvera )
Animator: sarimopi ( / sarimopi )
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong

Reference

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013.​

Morin, A. (2021, March 23). Can you get depressed smiling? OK Thoughts. Retrieved from www.verywellmind.com/what-is-smiling-depression-4775918

Rodriguez, C. (2021, June 22). Smiling depression: What it is, symptoms, and treatment. Soul Center. Retrieved from psychcentral.com/depression/smiling-depression/what-is-it

Rutherford, M.R. (2019, September 1). 10 core characteristics of perfectly hidden depression. Psychology Today. Retrieved from www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/perfectly-hidden-depression/201909/the-10-core-traits-perfectly-hidden-depression

Rutherford, M.R. (2019, December 8). Are you experiencing high levels of depression or perfectly hidden depression? Psychology Today. Retrieved from www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/perfectly-hidden-depression/201912/do-you-have-high-functioning-or-perfectly-hidden-depression

Rutherford, M.R. (2021, July 22). How a therapist can “see” through the barrier of perfectionism. Psychology Today. Retrieved July from www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/perfectly-hidden-depression/202107/how-can-therapist-see-through-the-armor-perfectionism