“Smiling depression” (An emerging threat): Let’s Talk

Abstract

In today’s world of chaos and stressful life dealing with the situations alone with no family, friends or financial support makes people vulnerable to developing depression. It is a worldwide major public health problem and “Smiling depression” a.k.a. atypical form of depression is on the rising trend. People wear masks to prevent the inner turmoil and the need to overcome it. Mostly, this affects the middle-aged cohort-the working force for any nation. It significantly leads to morbidity, disability, mortality and ultimately, socio-economic loss. Addressing this type of depression at an early stage will not only help in reducing self-harm and suicides but will also improve the quality of life of those affected. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment can be provided in different settings by people in either health or non-health professionals. Health system strengthening through proper counselling and psychotherapy, appropriate referral mechanisms, and continuity of care is the point of need to tackle this escalating concealed problem.