By C’Morra Cuffie
There are many types of depression but one people may not know about and can be found in teens more than adults is called “smiling depression.” Yes it's actually a real thing but it is also known as high-functioning depression. According to Newport Academy it states, “Experts believe that smiling depression may actually be a condition known as major depression disorder with atypical symptoms.” Researchers estimate between 15 and 40 percent of people with this depression encountered present atypical symptoms. This depression may be misleading as it is very mysterious to look for. Sometimes even teens may not realize that they are depressed. For example they may have the persistent feeling of sadness or loss in certain interests, changes in sleep, appetite and energy level. However, coping with high-functioning depression can leave teens feeling isolated because no one can see what they are going through because they hide it so well. Without any help, teens with this type of depression are at a higher risk for self-harm or suicide. Teens put on a happy face to the world because they don't want to stress other people out with what they are really feeling on the inside. They are exhausted with trying to hide their depression 24/7 and because of this they may feel overwhelmed, hopelessness, lack of confidence and self-worth, anxiety, mood swings, difficulty concentrating or and making decisions, suicidal thoughts, feeling “too fast” or “too slow,” and even headaches. Some reasons why teens hide their smiling depression is because they feel that struggling emotionally is a weakness and don't want anyone to see them, thinking they “lack personal character.” Teens with smiling depression are often perfectionists and afraid to fail, having high expectations of themselves and don't want to let anyone down. Usually teens with this depression have past grief that they build up inside them holding all their feelings in. Furthermore if the teen is having family problems such as financial issues or their parents are divorcing they sometimes hide their depression because they think it's a burden, causing more problems. According to Newport Academy, “That may be one reason for a possible increase in smiling depression, along with other mental issues during the pandemic.” That is to say teens may feel guilty about complaining thinking they don't have it as “bad” as somebody else or they're just in denial about them having depression. There are no specific treatment options available, however. According to Medical News Today it states, “Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and medication. A doctor may prescribe various drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).” Not everyone responds the same way to these drugs, so people should speak up to their healthcare provider and let them know about any side effects they have in response to the medication.
3 Comments
Lynn Girven
10/31/2021 12:49:32 pm
C’Morra - well done and remember that adults, even teachers, feel the same. It is a tough time for all humans.
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Cmorra
11/3/2021 04:49:40 am
yes i know maybe next time i should write about adults depression :)
Reply
Lynn Girven
11/28/2021 02:25:45 pm
Our social workers at school are excellent. I would be happy to help. Leave a Reply. |
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