The Truth About ‘Smiling Depression’

 

There are certain warning signs that are easy to decipher when diagnosing a person with depression. But others are much more subtle and can be overlooked. In fact a close person in your life may be struggling with severe mental health issues, yet present themselves in a happy or positive way. We feel it is important to bring topics like “smiling depression” to the forefront because it is these cases that can leave people unprepared for severe consequences (such as a surprise suicide, perhaps).

 

The Fix recently covered this topic on their blog page, highlighting just how common it is for a depressed person to put on the facade of happiness. In fact, their research shows that up to 40 percent of people who suffer from depression may not exhibit outward symptoms (such as crying, sadness and the inability to get out of bed).

 

“It can be very hard to spot people suffering from smiling depression,” Science Alert researcher Olivia Remes told the site. “They may seem like they don’t have a reason to be sad—they have a job, an apartment and maybe even children or a partner. They smile when you greet them and can carry pleasant conversations. In short, they put on a mask to the outside world while leading seemingly normal and active lives.”

 

Remes went on to say that there can be other visible symptoms of smiling depression beyond outward unhappiness. Call outs included sudden weight gain, a change in appetite, constant sleepiness and increased withdrawals from social events. So people suffering from this could be quite jovial when they see you, but still change certain behavioral patterns.

 

University of Michigan professor Dr.Michelle B. Riba was also quoted on the site. She actually felt that people who fall under the smiling depression category may not even realize that they themselves have a problem.

 

“Many people will come to their doctor complaining about sleep problems, or headaches, not realizing that it’s a mood disorder because they don’t have low mood,” she explained. “Not all symptoms of depression always occur at once.”

 

Eventually though, the dark feelings do catch up to you and that’s where a condition like this could really get serious. How many times have we heard about seemingly “happy” people taking their own lives? If you ask us, it is always important to check in with those close to you and lend support if you suspect that smiling depression may be lurking underneath an upbeat smile.

 

Is Rage A Sign Of Depression?

 

On the surface, aligning rage and depression seems a bit counterintuitive. Someone who is angry is perceived to behave differently than someone who is clinically depressed. But look a little deeper and you may start to see an interesting connection. This happens to be a point that was recently brought up by NPR and one that we think merits further investigation.

 

Writer Nell Greenfield Boyce pretty much summed up the same statement in the beginning of her article.

 

“Many people — including physicians — associate depression with feelings of hopelessness, sadness and a lack of motivation or concentration, but not anger,” she writes. “And even if you pick up what is often called the ‘bible of psychiatry,’ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, you’ll find that the list of core symptoms for major depression doesn’t include anger. But irritability — a reduced control over one’s temper that results in angry outbursts — is listed as a core symptom of depression.”

 

Noted Harvard Medical School professor Dr. Maurizio Fava also contributed to the piece and shed some light into why there has been such a disconnect all these years. He explained that when he was trained in the subject, the common thought was that anger is projected inward during depression. In essence, depressed people are angry at themselves and not others.

 

But more recent case studies examined by Dr. Fava have educated him otherwise. In fact, he found that people prone to outbursts share many of the same traits as “depressed” or “anxious” people going through a panic attack. He aligned anger attacks in the same vein and actually saw some success when people prone to rage were treated with antidepressants.

 

And on the flip side, more recent studies have shown that those diagnosed with depression do experience angry emotions on a regular basis.

 

“A recent large study looked at more than 500 people who had been diagnosed with major depression,” Greenfield Boyce added. “It found that more than half showed overt irritability/anger, and that this anger and irritability appeared to be associated with more severe, chronic depression.”

 

Ultimately, these all fall under the category of mental health. Whether you’re consistently angry or sad (or possibly both), it is important to not just zero in on certain emotions. At Inneractions, we specialize in treating co-occurring disorders and believe that healing truly begins when you look at the bigger picture.

 

How Diet And Health Impact Depression

 

Truth be told, depression is much more than an “emotional issue.” There truly is a science behind all of this, as genetic links and research studies have shown. And proving that point even more, is a new article from the acclaimed online medical resource, WebMD. Doctors from that site now claim that even germs and microorganisms play a part in chronic sadness, as evidenced by a newly discovered gut bacteria.

 

The link can tie back to certain diets and a lack of probiotics. When surveying roughly 2,100 adults, WebMD’s researchers found that those with depression did have differences in specific groups of gut bacteria. Those with an imbalance of microbes suffered from issues with their immune system and a decrease in the production of chemicals that influence the brain.

 

This chemical deficiency (at least among the 2,100 surveyed) showed direct links to depression. The other notable stat to be revealed was the “vicious cycle” that occurs once this diagnosis has taken place. We know that many people with depression don’t eat well and often have a loss of appetite. According to the researchers, those symptoms only further the problem.

 

“It becomes almost like a chicken-and-egg question,” UCLA researchers Dr. Emeran Mayer told the site. “People with depression certainly have different diets, and different habits, than people without depression. And that would affect the gut microbiome.”

 

Continued studies are being done to determine the initial causes of this type of bacterial infection and how it can be combated. Dr. Mayer did admit that healthier eating and regular vitamin supplements would all be beneficial. But science has yet to prove if that alone will completely remove the issue.

 

Foods that have shown to have a positive effect thus far include vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains (all of which fall into a healthy regular diet). Dr. Mayer also emphasized the avoidance of processed foods if you think you’re suffering from depressive symptoms.

 

“I’d say eat a diet that’s largely plant-based and highly variable in the types of plant foods,” Mayer concluded. “If you’re just eating tomatoes, that’s not enough.”

 

Obviously, overcoming depression requires a lot more than changing what you eat. But we wholeheartedly agree that a healthy diet can make a significant difference in your emotional (and physical) well being. Nevertheless, we encourage anyone suffering from chronic sadness to reach out and add therapeutic support into your recovery toolkit.

 

Support For The Musically Minded

Choosing to devote your professional life to music can come with many highs and lows. Of course, playing instruments and creating songs can be incredibly rewarding and it is a passion for many people. But being able to support that existence can lead to stress and emotional turmoil. And it’s well documented that those who succeed in that industry often struggle with substance abuse and depression. Because of facts like that, more and more support groups are emerging to help musicians push through their pain.

Similar to being an actor, for example, succeeded as a musician requires some very thick skin. There are often high pressure auditions, cut contracts and difficulties with management that can lead to tremendous financial stress. This, as it were, happens to be one of the major reasons that those in the industry deal with issues like depression, addiction and anxiety.

And though you wouldn’t necessarily think there were mental illness struggles among classical musicians, the stats are surprising there as well. In fact, over in New York City a special support group called the Me2 Orchestra has emerged. Here, fellow violinists, cellists and conductors gather to offer emotional reassurance and build group therapy conversations.

The founder of that particular organization is a noted east coast maestro by the name of Ronald Braunstein. Though he is a Julliard graduate and the winner of the prestigious Karajan International Conducting Award, Braunstein openly admits that his high pressure life has led to some dark struggles.

“The unbelievable mania I experienced probably helped me win the Karajan,” he explained in a recent article. “I learned repertoire fast. I studied through the night and wouldn’t sleep. I didn’t eat because if I did, it would take away my edge.”

Talking about his issues with his fellow musicians (and offering support of his own) has helped bring Braunstein away from his dark place. Now the Me2 Orchestra is helping dozens more, building support for performance anxiety, alcoholism and bipolar disorder.

And believe us, this happens in other music circles all of the time. Whether it’s a rock band member abusing drugs, a vocalist with issues singing in public or even a hip hop artist confessing pain through his lyrics, life as a performer can have many challenges.

We certainly want to make ourselves available for anyone who is struggling with these problems. If you or someone you are close to is having a hard time making their musical dreams come true, always remember that we are here to help.

Millennials And Mental Health

 

You hear about them all of the time in news stories and research reports. The Millennial Generation is truly coming into its own, as they should. But how are these 20 and 30-somethings coping when it comes to depression, addiction and mental health? It’s an interesting question and one that The American Psychological Association is beginning to delve into.

 

According to a 2018 survey they conducted, millennials (and the Generation Z that’s behind them, for that matter) are more likely than older Americans to rate their mental health state as “fair” or “poor.” They also believe themselves to be at a higher stress level than other generations.

 

Many other research reports have concluded the same thing. This particular sect of Americans (roughly born between the years of 1982 and 2004) have experienced a lot more cynicism and mistrust when it comes to their surroundings. They were, after all, thrust into the job market in the middle of a major economic recession. They were also impressionable youths when catastrophes like 9/11 and the “War on Terror” began to take place. So, in essence, it is not surprising to hear that they are not as cheery as their parents or grandparents once were.

 

One positive note about millennials that came out of the study was the fact they are much more likely to seek out professional help than generations prior. This may have to do with the de-stigmatization of therapy and recovery practices when it comes to a serious problem. The interesting stat that the Association uncovered was that over one-third of millennials said they were receiving treatment or therapy from a mental health professional.

 

But the unfortunate problem today is that many within this age sect do not have sufficient health insurance and cannot afford proper treatment. TheFix.com covered this issue on their blog page and revealed that in a city like Philadelphia, for example, 22% of citizens aged 18-34 had no health insurance. And when you take insurance out of the mix, a therapy session can go for as much as $150 to $200 (quite expensive for a young person’s salary).

 

So it appears as though these people recognize the need for mental health support, but often lack the means to receive it. This happens to be a scenario we encounter frequently at our facility. But the good news is, there are always ways to work through the financial burdens. Above all, escaping the pain of mental anguish should be a person’s primary goal and we would be happy to talk anyone in need; searching for solutions that can work within a millennial budget.

 

Pets May Help With Severe Depression

In case you were unaware, we are big pet lovers at Inneractions. Not only do they offer affection and support, they may actually be able help people who are clinically depressed. At least that’s what writers from The Journal of Psychiatric Research are now reporting and to us, it makes a lot of sense.

 

The latest Journal issue offered data that showed people with severe depression (who may be struggling in treatment) were able to significantly reduce their symptoms after adding a pet into their lives. Portuguese researchers Jorge Mota Pereira and Daniela Fonte contributed to the study, interviewing multiple participants who had “treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.” Each were encouraged to adopt one animal, with 20 going for dogs and seven selecting a cat.

 

After 12 weeks (with regular ongoing checkups), more than 33 percent of the group that adopted saw their depression symptoms go from severe to mild. One big discovery was that pet ownership gave these participants a greater sense of purpose.

 

“By having the responsibility of taking care of an animal, people have to get up in the morning to take care of the animal, namely pet them and feeding them,” the researchers explained in their report. “In the specific case of dogs, the need of taking a dog for a walk, hike and run promotes the increase of physical activity and could help its owner to meet new people that also have pets, sharing experiences and improving their social skills.”

 

All very encouraging material, though it was emphasized that pet adoption may not be for everyone. The checkups proved to be a very important component of the study. There is also the very real possibility of a severely depressed subject not being able to handle the responsibilities of ownership and thus neglecting their dog or cat.

 

Mota Pereira and Fonte singled that out at the end of their study, advising that only those who appreciate their animals should go down this path.

 

“It is worth noting that these benefits will only occur in people that appreciate domestic animals,” the researchers concluded. “Those who choose adoption must have the time, attention and money necessary to take care of their pets.”

 

If taking an action like this could benefit you or someone you are close to who is battling depression (assuming they are up for the challenge), we think that it’s a good idea. Especially since there are so many abandoned animals in shelters right now, in need of a good home.

 

Dating With Depression

 

Is it impossible to date and find love when you’re suffering from depression? Absolutely not. But it can be a challenge and does require more effort than someone who is not dealing with a mental health struggle. TheFix.com recently addressed this very relevant topic on their website and offered helpful tools for anyone who feels hopeless about their romantic life.

 

Taking quotes and inspiration from relationship therapists, the site first dug into some of the symptoms people with depression may experience when trying to make a love connection.

 

“Battling depression can be physically and emotionally taxing, so make sure you’re going at your own pace and being kind with yourself in the process,” expert Lindsey Pratt told the site. “If you struggle with this, you may notice that it prevents you from feeling excitement over special moments. You may also have trouble finding energy to spend time with a new person or that your ability to imagine a happy future with a certain partner feels limited.”

 

Pratt went on to emphasize that it is perfectly ok to experience these feelings and those who do are certainly not alone. She also added that there will undoubtedly be challenges; but by continuing to put in work, you can slowly overcome them.

 

“Patience” and “compassion with yourself” are two key points that Pratt mentioned. Patience comes with working at finding a suitable mate. It may take a while and you may encounter bad matches, but it is important to carry on. Compassion refers to pushing away self-doubt if a date or online connection goes bad. This, of course, is not easy to do, but with professional support and continued effort, you can learn not to personalize rejection.

 

There are also preliminary exercises to take which can help avoid an uncomfortable dating scenario. One suggestion was to schedule a meetup at a time of the day when you feel most positive. Also, choosing an activity and location that brings you joy can help set a relationship up for success.

 

The article also recommended openness and honesty when it comes to your depression diagnosis. Time it right and don’t be ashamed to mention that you are struggling with a mental health issue.

 

“You’ll need to determine the best time to discuss your depression with a date,” the site expert went on to say. “Often this conversation happens a month or two into dating. I really like to encourage people to say, ‘You know what? I suffer from a condition that’s pretty common in the population. I have this sadness sometimes about me.’ You don’t even have to use the word depression.”

Holidays Without A Loved One

 

The holidays are certainly a special time. For most, they commemorate annual traditions and family togetherness. But if this happens to be the first year without a loved one due to an untimely passing, then the tone can easily shift towards pain or grief. This is actually a very common occurrence during December and one that begs further conversations.

 

The website Health.com recently touched upon the topic of grief during the holidays, offering solutions and coping mechanisms for people dealing with a difficult month. Truth be told, it doesn’t matter if your loved one passed early in the year or a few weeks back; a Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year’s celebration without them can be just as painful.

 

One thing that Health emphasized was not trying to shut out those memories. Instead, writer Rebeca Soffer mentioned carrying on at least one ongoing tradition that had been handled by the deceased loved one. Whether it’s a “famous recipe,” an after dinner routine or a decoration that symbolizes them. As Soffer put it; this ritual can be very minor, but can serves to overcome a state of grief.

 

“Consider choosing one treasured ritual, like opening gifts in your sister’s preferred order or watching your husband’s favorite holiday film, and give yourself permission for flexibility on the next holiday if your grief is in a different place then,” she wrote. “This kind of selectivity allows you to foster a sense of connection without exhausting yourself physically and mentally, or turning the month into an emotional minefield.”

 

Another way of coping recommended by the site, was finding a charitable outlet to donate time towards. The holidays are, after all, about giving back, so doing good deeds during this season can feel especially poignant. If possible, try volunteering for a cause that was close to your lost loved one. It can actually be very therapeutic to spend time doing something that you know they felt passionate about.

 

One final piece of advice (which we also agree with) is to seek out help when it’s needed. Many people do tend to put a lot of pressure on themselves during the holidays, whether it’s shopping, hosting or what have you. Don’t let added grief push you to a breaking point. Talking to a professional is always a recommended plan of action after someone close passes and our team is just a phone call away.

 

Addictions And Suicides Are Lowering U.S. Life Expectancy

 

If you think mental health and addiction aren’t creating a ripple effect in this country, you may want to look at the latest stats released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Their new research shows that the country’s life expectancy rate has lowered for the third year in a row due primarily to these issues. Now, American babies born this year aren’t expected to live past 78 years old.

 

The way these stats are calculated has to do with U.S. death rates as a whole. And not surprisingly (with the opioid addiction crisis in full swing), overdoses lead the pack. In just two years, ODs have seen a 10 percent increase; primarily among men.

 

Suicides were another strong contributor to the overall life expectancy rate. Since just 2017, there was nearly a four precent jump in people who take their own lives. And though men still account for more of these types of fatalities, women are showing an increase as well. As of today, suicides are the 10th leading cause of death in America.

 

CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield spoke to the media about these latest findings. He found the rates especially troubling, since a majority of these deaths were preventable (as opposed to cancer or other diseases).

 

“Life expectancy gives us a snapshot of the nation’s overall health and these sobering statistics are a wakeup call that we are losing too many Americans, too early and too often, to conditions that are preventable,” Dr. Redfield explained. “We must all work together to reverse this trend and help ensure that all Americans live longer and healthier.”

 

The site Vox.com took the research a step further, illustrating what a big role addiction plays in this scenario. They singled out the states that had the lowest life expectancy rates, all of which have been flagged as being riddled with opioid dependencies.

 

As illustrated in the map below, West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania were the major culprits. On a somewhat positive note, it appears as though our home state of California is one of the lesser impacted regions.

Regardless, we find these latest statistics particularly troubling. One of our missions at Inneractions is improve health, both mental and physical. In our opinion, working with trained professionals to deal with addictions and emotional hurdles is truly the key to turning these life expectancy figures around. We encourage anyone who is struggling to please reach out and to avoid becoming another tragic statistic.

 

Tackling Depression Through Song

We all know about the healing power of music. Finding solace in a song lyric or a classical orchestra can very therapeutic, especially when dealing with issues like addiction, anxiety or grief. And that goes for the Top 40 tracks of today as well. We certainly tip our hat to any contemporary artist who offers comfort in their songs. One, in particular, is the incredibly popular band Imagine Dragons, who just released a new single about coping with depression.

Ironically, the Dragons song “Zero” appears on the soundtrack for a family film. A standout single from the Ralph Breaks The Internet album, it definitely has a upbeat feel. But in reality, it touches upon the mental struggles that many people in this country deal with on a daily basis.

Written and produced by the band themselves, “Zero” reflect some very personal emotions (according to lead singer, Dan Reynolds).

“Zero is a song about somebody who feels empty, who feels like nothing, but continues on and puts a smile on their face,” Reynolds explained to The New York Post. “That’s kind of the theme of my life: a constant battle to find positivity in living and feeling a little empty at times. I’m trying to fill that void.”

Despite having millions of fans and large earnings from album sales and tours, Reynolds admits that he gets down quite often as well. Since the band’s inception, Reynolds has been open about his depression struggles and emphasized that fame and money did not fix the problem. As he mentioned on a recent morning show, it is something he continues to work on.

Interestingly Imagine Dragons purposely chose Ralph as an outlet for the song, particularly because of its themes about the internet and social media. Reynolds and the band want to get the message out that is ok to experience these feelings and people shouldn’t get caught up in the negativity they may encounter online.

“That journey of feeling like nothing and trying to realize and recognize your worth as a human is an important part of life,” Reynolds concluded. “And given the distorted version of reality kids face online and the expectations that come with it, this struggle is real for so many people right now.”

One other unique way that the band is exposing the single is through a colorful new video. It brings out the powerful depression lyrics amid bumpy, eye-grabbing visuals. And clearly, with 22 million views, it appears to be working.

You can watch the full “Zero” video below.