As we continue to face difficult times due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as other crises around the world, it feels like every day is a battle for survival. But the focus has been on physical health, and we tend to forget the importance of mental health.
There is a kind of depression that is difficult to detect: smiling depression, where a person may appear perfectly happy or content on the outside but is internally suffering from deep sadness and despair. This is common among those who want to keep their depression private to protect their ego and privacy, and avoid being judged by others. They often disguise their sadness with a fake smile to hide their inner emotions.
If you feel that you have family or friends who suffer from this, take the first step and help them reach out to mental health professionals. With the right support and treatment, the smile on someone’s face may no longer just be a front, but the state of his or her well-being. It’s time to destigmatize seeking professional help for our mental health.
JOHN MARK A. NARAG
jmnarag.dole@gmail.com