“I have to put on a happy face so my friends and family don’t worry about me.” 

“I still can’t believe he was depressed. He was always laughing and smiling!” 

“I can still have a good time with my friends, so what I’m feeling can’t be depression.” 

Depression is a serious mental health condition, but it isn’t always obvious. Some people laugh, socialize, go to work, and maintain the appearance of being “fine” while quietly battling overwhelming sadness, fatigue, or hopelessness. This type of depression—often called smiling depression or high-functioning depression—can be especially dangerous because it goes unnoticed for far too long. 

Learn to Notice the Signs of Silent Struggling

There are many reasons a person might hide depression symptoms. They may feel invalidated by others or guilty for feeling low despite seeming to “have it all together.” They may downplay their emotions or avoid seeking depression therapy out of fear of being misunderstood. In this case, the signs will be more subtle, such as: 

• Constantly tired despite appearing productive 

• Using humor to deflect emotional conversations 

• Overcommitting to avoid being alone with their thoughts 

• An internal dialogue filled with self-criticism 

• Feeling disconnected or numb even during joyful moments 

This form of depression often affects the high achievers who feel people rely on them—perfectionists, caregivers, and professionals. But no one should struggle silently. 

How Depression Therapy Helps

Depression therapy creates space to explore what you’re feeling beneath the surface. With the help of a personal therapist, you will: 

• Name emotions you’ve been suppressing 

• Identify thought patterns that reinforce isolation 

• Learn new coping tools to reduce emotional burnout 

• Reconnect with purpose and pleasure 

So, if someone you know is wearing a mask every day, or if you’re feeling empty behind that smile, it’s time to speak up. Reach out to our practice today to be connected with a therapist who understands depression—both the visible and invisible kinds. 

Into each life a little rain must fall is a way of saying every one of us will experience sadness in our lifetime. It is completely normal and natural. But there are some people who feel something deeper and darker than sadness, and they may feel this way despite there being no triggering event such as the loss of a loved one. 

So how can we tell the difference between sadness and depression?

Sadness versus Depression: The Real Difference?

As I just mentioned, sadness is a normal reaction to a difficult event in our life. We may feel sad because of a breakup or from losing a loved one or from leaving our friends after graduation. In other words, we feel sadness about something.

Depression, on the other hand, affects not only our emotions but also how we act and perceive the world. Depression does not require a triggering event. In fact, when we’re depressed, we tend to feel upset about any- and everything.

Depression clouds our entire lives. When we’re depressed, nothing feels as enjoyable or worthwhile as it once did. In short, we simply feel less alive.

Symptoms of Depression

To be diagnosed with depression, an individual must be diagnosed with at least five of the following common symptoms for a continual duration of at least two weeks:

• An irritable or depressed mood 
• A decreased interest in once enjoyable activities
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Changes in our sleep patterns
• Feeling sluggish most days; having a lack of energy and motivation
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Trouble focusing or concentrating
• Suicidal ideation

If you or a loved one are experiencing depressed, it is very important to reach out for help from a trained mental health therapist. Depression robs you of your life, purpose and happiness, but there are strategies to break free and find joy once again.

I would be happy to discuss some treatment options with you. Please give my office a call.

SOURCES:

https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/depression-vs-sadness

https://screening.mhanational.org/content/am-i-depressed-or-just-sad/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-squeaky-wheel/201510/the-important-difference-between-sadness-and-depression