A key component of depression is feeling significantly sad and down. As such, if you have been smiling often, other people may not have suspected that you may be struggling with depression— and you may not have realized it, either.

Even if you have been smiling and acting cheerful, have you also been feeling exhausted and depressed, perhaps from keeping up appearances, or from avoiding your more difficult emotions?

It is important to be honest with yourself and assess whether or not you may be battling depression, so that you can address it sooner and seek proper help.

DISCLAIMER: This video is not intended to diagnose or self-treat. This video is also not meant for diagnosis or to attack anyone with these qualities or to diagnose any individual. If you believe you may be struggling with mental illness, please reach out to a trusted mental health provider.

We also made a video on smiling depression:    • 6 Signs of Smiling Depression  

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


References

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

Morin, A. (2021, March 23). Could you have smiling depression? Verywell Mind. Retrieved from www.verywellmind.com/what-is-smiling-depression-4775918

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

Rutherford, M. R. (2019, September 1). The 10 core traits 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). Do you have high-functioning 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 can a therapist “see” through the armor of perfectionism. Psychology Today. Retrieved July from www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/perfectly-hidden-depression/202107/how-can-therapist-see-through-the-armor-perfectionism