Looking Beyond the Smile: Identifying Smiling Depression

Moms with Smiling Depression often suffer in silence, masking the pain they feel on the inside. Despite showing a cheerful and optimistic demeanor on the outside, many moms are struggling with intense sadness and depression that may go unnoticed even by their closest friends and family members. This is because smiling depression can be difficult to diagnose due to its tendency to hide behind an outward positive attitude. It’s important for those close to any moms to pay attention to any signs of distress and offer support.

What is Smiling Depression?

People with Smiling Depression may appear cheerful and optimistic on the outside, but inside can be struggling with intense sadness and depression. Despite a seemingly positive persona, these individuals experience intense negative emotions and distress.

This type of behavior is often seen in people who feel they cannot express their true feelings. Smiling depression is a form of depression where the individual may appear happy and content on the surface, but deep down they are struggling with low self-esteem, sadness, and negative thoughts.

It differs from major depressive disorder in that individuals don’t always show obvious signs of sadness or distress. This can be confusing for friends and family as someone with smiling depression may appear to be doing well despite feeling down internally.

Symptoms of Smiling Depression

The signs and symptoms associated with smiling depression include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness
• Irritability or agitation
• Lack of motivation or energy
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Appetite changes and weight loss or gain
• Feeling helpless, hopeless, or overwhelmed
• Avoiding social situations

Assessment Questions

1.  Do you ever find yourself making jokes or acting the fool in order to hide your true feelings?
   A) Yes B) No
2. Do you find yourself pretending to feel better than you really do?
   A) Yes B) No
3. Do you often feel like no one understands how you truly feel?
   A) Yes B) No
4. Are your sleeping patterns changing without any clear explanation?
   A) Yes B) No
5. Are there any thoughts of self-harm or suicide?
   A) Yes B) No
6. Do you have difficulty concentrating or making decisions?
   A) Yes B )No
7. Do you experience a lack of motivation or energy to do activities that used to bring you joy?
   A )Yes    B )No 
8. Are your hobbies and interests decreasing in importance for you? 
    A )Yes    B )No                                                     
9. Is it taking great effort to engage in interactions with others?  
   A )Yes   B)No                                            
10. Have you been feeling down or miserable for more than two weeks?  
    A )Yes     B )No
11. Has your appetite changed without any clear explanation?  
    A )Yes    B )No
12. Do you often feel sad, yet put on a happy face when talking to other people? 
     A )Yes    B )No
13. Does everything seem more difficult than it should be? 
     A )Yes B) No
14. Are there moments when the world around you seems bleak and lifeless?  
    A )Yes B )No
15. Does overexertion result in fatigue as opposed to pleasure and satisfaction? 
    A )Yes B )No
16. Have activities that were once enjoyable become tiresome and unmanageable?
    A) Yes B) No
17. Have personal relationships suffered due to disconnection from those closest to us?
    A) Yes B) No
18. Has sadness become an overriding emotion instead of a temporary period of grief?
    A) Yes B) No

Interpretation of Results

Interpreting the results of this assessment requires looking at how many questions you answered “Yes” to. It’s important to remember that this assessment is not meant to be used as a medical diagnosis but as a guide for looking into further resources and assistance if needed.

If you answered 6 or more questions with “Yes”, then it may be necessary to seek additional help and talk to someone about your feelings. You may also want to look into online support networks, counseling sessions, or other types of therapy that can help you understand and manage your emotions in a healthier way.

It’s important to remember that these assessments should not replace professional help. If you need additional support, make sure you reach out and seek help from a licensed mental health professional who can provide an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan for your individual needs.

Resources and Recommendations to Help Those Struggling with Smiling Depression

• Seek professional help from a licensed mental health professional. A therapist or counselor can provide you with the tools and support needed to manage your depression.
• Join an online or in-person support group for people with similar experiences. Having an outlet to share your feelings and get advice can make a big difference in how you cope.
• Develop healthy relationships with friends and family who understand your struggle and will lend emotional support when needed.
• Incorporate positive activities into your day such as listening to music, going for walks in nature, taking up a new hobby, etc.
• Develop healthy coping mechanisms such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, journaling, and talking to a friend.
• Set realistic goals for yourself each day and try to accomplish them.
• Practice self-care activities such as yoga, exercise, and rest.
• Incorporate positive activities into your day such as listening to music, reading a book, or going for walks in nature.
• Make time for social interactions with friends and family who understand your struggle and will offer emotional support when needed.

Additional Resources/Recommendations

If you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling with your results, please consider seeking out additional resources for help. There are many organizations and services that provide free or affordable mental health assistance.

You can find a list of helpful resources below

National Alliance on Mental

Mental Health America

National Alliance on Mental Illness

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

The Secret Pain of Smiling Depression

Smiling Depression: When ‘Happiness’ Hides a Parent’s Hurt

What Smiling Depression Really Feels Like


It’s important to recognize the signs of smiling depression, as it can easily be mistaken for contentment. If you are experiencing symptoms of smiling depression, please seek help from either a mental health professional or one of the resources listed above. The above test will help you identify depression even when someone appears to be emotionally stable and functioning normally. With the right support, those suffering from smiling depression can take steps towards a healthier emotional state.