Smiling Depression

 I've set a goal to post every Wednesday... Hump Day.  Obviously I wasn't able to get over the HUMP since it's now Friday!

And during this quarantined era of 2020-2021 where I'm stuck in the house so much, you'd think I'd have plenty of time to write this.  It's not like I have a lot of chores and children to tend to.  I really have no excuse.  Maybe I have "Smiling Depression."  

“Smiling depression" is a term for someone living with depression on the inside while appearing perfectly happy or content on the outside.  They appear all put together, navigating day to day seemingly well to those around them, but inwardly they're struggling.   see: healthline.com/health/smiling-depression 

To me that definition could account for a lot of different diagnoses but it caught my attention.  I think as Christians, we think we're not allowed to get depressed [or it's not really acceptable to admit or talk about] because...

"all things work together for good to them that love God" ...don't they?  and we're to "rejoice in the Lord at all times" ...right?   

Don't get me wrong.  I totally believe in the above scriptures.  But these days have been and still are difficult for me.  Social is my middle name and fun is my aim.  Things are not going as I like.  I'm sick and tired and yes, depressed now.  I've gained the ubiquitous 'covid-19 pounds' out of sheer boredom.  No excuse.  Just saying.

So what am I going to do about it?  First is to admit that I'm sad and depressed about all this.  Second, confess it out loud [tell the truth-shame the devil!].  Third, I'm crying out to the Lord for His comfort and direction.  

In the past, I get some creative ideas for healthy self-care or someone comes to mind that i can call to cheer up.  

No matter what, I know there's got to be a pony somewhere that made all the manure called Covid-19 pandemic ....hand me a shovel!

PS: Depression is real, whether it's smiling or not.  It's good to get help. Please reach out.  The "Out of the Dark with Mandissa & Laura Williams"  podcast is worth a listen.

 Image Credit:tirc83/E+ /Getty Images