Getting to Know "Smiling Depression" A silent mental threat where outward cheerfulness hides inner pain. Check risk behaviors to properly cope and treat before it’s too late.
In an era where people face stress from life and work, mental health has become a key social concern. One worrying condition is smiling depression, known in psychology as Smiling Depression, where individuals appear normal, live, work, and socialize with a smile, but feel sadness, emptiness, and worthlessness when alone.
Data from the Department of Mental Health indicates depression is not only marked by crying or social withdrawal, but some patients skillfully hide their feelings due to fear of judgment, being a burden, or not wanting to worry others. This makes the condition more dangerous as loved ones often miss warning signs.
To watch out for yourself and others, here are behaviors that may indicate risk for this condition.
They can laugh and smile around people, but once home or alone, their mood quickly drops, feeling hopeless and unable to enjoy previously liked activities.
Those with smiling depression often have high responsibility and manage tasks well, yet must exert great effort, feeling constant mental exhaustion.
Though living normally, their body shows signs such as insomnia, waking at night, oversleeping, or significant appetite changes, causing rapid weight loss or gain.
They often have negative self-thoughts, feel worthless, and keep problems to themselves believing sharing would burden others or that no one can understand.
Despite appearing strong, their fragile mind reacts strongly to negative feedback or minor disappointments, feeling shattered or repeatedly blaming themselves.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports hundreds of millions worldwide suffer from depression. In Thailand, mental health consultations have steadily risen in recent years, partly due to economic, social, and social media pressures that push people to maintain perfect images while neglecting genuine feelings.
If you or someone near you shows signs of smiling depression, the most important step is accepting that vulnerability is a normal part of being human. Opening up to trusted people or seeking help from psychiatrists or psychologists is not shameful but a medical treatment that can restore quality of life.
** Those seeking initial consultation can contact the Mental Health Hotline 1323 by the Department of Mental Health, available 24 hours.