Although 'laughter depression' is not a clinical diagnosis, it is a real problem for many people. Laughter depression often occurs when depressed people hide their symptoms. They hide behind a smile to convince others that they are happy.

Therefore, this type of depression is often overlooked because most people think of someone who is very sad or who cries a lot when they think of someone who is depressed. Sadness and inexplicable crying are indeed common signs of depression, but not all depressed people look sad.

Smiling depressed people often appear happy to the outside world and hide their darkness.

Signs and symptoms

Whether you're someone who works hard to pretend you're not happy, or you think a loved one is hiding their pain, understanding laughing depression can help you take positive action. Here's an overview of the signs and symptoms of depression. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 265 million people worldwide suffer from depression.1 People with depression experience many of the classic symptoms of depression, including deep sadness, low self-esteem, and changes in daily life. day. Some of these signs may be visible to others, while others may be kept secret. It is not unusual for people with severe depression to work hard to hide their symptoms. That's why it's important to look for other, less obvious signs that something is wrong, such as a change in habits, fatigue, or loss of interest in something you once enjoyed. Here is a list of characters you can find.

Changes in appetite: During the depression, some people overeat and others lose their appetite.2 Weight changes are common in all types of depression.

Sleep changes: Some people find it hard to get out of bed when they are depressed because they want to sleep all the time. Others may be unable to sleep and report significant changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or staying up at night and sleeping during the day.

Feelings of hopelessness: Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and hopelessness are common

Loss of interest in activities: People with depression may lose interest in activities they normally enjoy. Despite these signs and symptoms, people with depression can still function well. I can have a full-time job and an active social life. They may seem cheerful and upbeat. That's why it's so important to talk openly about mental health issues. This gives them the courage to openly express their feelings.

Why do people hide their depression?

It is not uncommon for people to keep their depression a secret. From wanting to protect their privacy to fearing judgment from others, there are many personal and professional reasons why people hide their symptoms of depression. Let's take a closer look at why people keep their depression a secret.

Fear of burdening others

Depression and guilt often go together. Many people do not want to burden others with their difficulties. This fact can apply to those who are used to caring for others who are not others. They hide the problem because they don't know how to ask for help.

Weakness

Some people see depression as a sign of character flaws or weakness. They may believe the lie that 'it should explode'. If they can't, they think they have a problem. Therefore, you may feel ashamed of your depression because you think you can overcome it on your own.

Refuse

Laughter depression can be caused by denying that you are depressed. They may think they shouldn't be depressed when they laugh. Most people won't admit they have it. It's easier to pretend you're okay than, to be honest about your real feelings.

Fear of adverse reactions

Sometimes people worry about the personal and professional consequences of depression. For example, comedians or lawyers may be concerned that their employer will question their ability to perform their duties. Or, you may worry that your partner will leave you if someone tells you that you are depressed. So they hide behind a smile at the risk of being judged or punished for their depression.

Worry about looking weak

People with laughing depression fear that others will take advantage of them if they reveal that they are depressed. They worry that others will see them as weak and vulnerable, and they worry that others will use their depression as leverage. They want to be treated harshly rather than admit they need help.

Guilt

Guilt often accompanies depression, so sometimes people think they don't need to be depressed. They may think they have a good life and shouldn't be in a bad mood.

They also believe that they are doing something wrong or that they are the cause of the depression. This can lead to feelings of guilt and sometimes even depression. So I hide it behind a smile.

Unrealistic view of happiness

Social media represents happiness. Many people surf social media and see photos of happy people. As a result, they feel they are the only ones struggling with mental health issues.5 They can feel more isolated, which can hide their difficulties.

Perfectionism

Perfectionists often acquire skills that appear to be perfect. And for many, this means hiding the pain or problem they are experiencing. As a result, falling into depression means that their life is not perfect and that they cannot do it alone.