When depression wears a smile, even psychiatrists like me can be deceived | Rebecca Lawrence

By the time mental ill health is visible, it’s probably very bad. The best risk assessment is to listen rather than lookIllustration: Guardian DesignIllustration: Guardian Designn my everyday life, when I see someone who looks happy, I expect them to feel like that, too. I don’t think about it particularly – it’s a reflex. I glance casually at a smiling face and am reassured that all is well.

In the news a few days ago: a judge who never wrote her rulings down (legally required to do so within 3 weeks). Discovered in her home: boxes&boxes of unfinished work. My first thought: high-functioning depressive. Managed minimum, never quit, never sought help. Show must go on.

That happened to me. I did not 'look' depressed or mentally ill enough. ended up nearly killing myself, and months of mental health nightmare in an old Victorian arcane system of horrors that few can imagine in Mile End. I survived the system. Never trusted the MH system since.

Most of us are taught to think of seeking medical help as a last result! I remember my aunt telling me to take aspirin for my abdominal pains until I felt a severe pain whilst in school & was rushed to hospital & had surgery for Appendicitis!! Mental health is also still taboo

I went through it & was horrible. Got myself circled with a lot people but still felt lonely. Had a fling in my postgraduate that changed everything & I owe a lot to her though wasn’t for me due to some personal reasons but I’m forever indebted & still care with stuffs till date.

Depression affects us all at some point in our lives. It’s Depression that is not seen that’s the one the kills people.

This is excellent. I hope all psychiatrists read and understand it. My life could have been different if professionals in the olden days understood this.

'I suck at my job.' - Rebecca Lawrence

It takes many less facial muscles to smile than to frown....

thank you very much for your work

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