Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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Does "Fake till you make it" work?

deleted_user
deleted_user
I feel like I was faking being happy to everyone for so long. Nobody at work knew I was so unhappy. I would cry at night and whenever I was alone. But I put on a happy face when someone was around. I just don't agree with that. Maybe I'm just not understanding the phrase?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I think it means keeps acting like things were normal, going to work, getting things done, whatever, and that the reptition will cause things to become natural for you. As opposed to giving in to your depression and doing nothing except lie around.
deleted_user
deleted_user
at times you have to do it, you believe it long enough it will be true
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have a hard time faking how i feel. It doesn't work for me.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Nope..."fake it till you make it" doesn't work with happiness.

You end up creating internal tension between peoples' perceptions of you vs. what you really feel..then you begin to feel like you can't meet expectations...which makes your depression worse.

Certainly a pleasant face never hurts at work or something...but you need friends and confidants to talk with and share your feelings.
deleted_user
deleted_user
if you are interested read some of my journal, it addresses this very subject
deleted_user
deleted_user
Sometimes faking it is nessesary. If i'm feeling bad, its not appropriate to cry in front of my clients while I'm working. Or if I'm with friends , I don't just let it all out in front of them. If you are alone and need a good cry thats ok. I don't think you are being someone you are not. I think its just being polite and private about certain things. And to confide in one or two really close friends would be ok.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I guess there's some science regarding the relationship between facial expression and emotional state. The theory being that it works both ways, theoretically you could smile your way to happiness. Hasn't worked for me, unless you consider looking like a grinning axe murderer success.

Faking happiness prevents me from concentrating on the reality of my depression, or doing any work on it.
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