Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav
Tortoises1are1cool
1 4,276 M Seeking Light 5
PathStep 25 Compassion hearts130 Forum posts14 Forum upvotes11 Current upvotes11 Age GroupTeen Last activeApril, 2026 Member sinceMarch 9, 2026
Bio
Recent forum posts
Tortoises1are1cool profile picture
I need help with reaching out
Depression Support / by Tortoises1are1cool
Last post
 March 23rd
...See more I really need advice on how to reach out to my parents and friends and tell them about how I’m feeling. I am under the age of 18 and I am 99% sure that I have smiling depression. Smiling depression is when you have depression, but you mask it around others. You still do every day things and are a very social person, but it’s all a lie and you actually feel horrible inside. Everyday, I either feel numb, frustratingly sad, or really angry, there aren’t any other emotions. Yet when I’m around others, I can’t help but try to cover up my pain with a smile or a joke. I hate myself every single time I do it, but I can’t stop. I also get very good grades in school, not because I like doing it, but because I feel this pressure to be perfect and great at everything. At first, the depression wasn’t that bad, but then I stopped eating and I started sleeping much longer. Then I stopped enjoying things that usually made me happy. I used to non-stop crochet and read, but now all I can manage to do is lay in bed and listen to music or scroll. The thing is, no one can tell that I feel this way because I cover it up. I want to be able to come out and tell my parents and friends what I am feeling, I want to get help for this, but I just don’t know how. I’m scared that my parents will be disappointed in me and that my friends won’t understand. Does anyone have any advice on how I can tell someone about this? I really need the help, thanks.
Search more from @Tortoises1are1cool
Talk to an expert therapist
Throughout our lives, we are faced with many challenges and counseling can help...
Talk to Amanda Now
Badges & Awards
20 total badges
First Community First Post Hang 10 Hand Shake Linked Bubbly Chief Chat Reconnect Reaching out Helping out First Compassion Helpful heart Kindness personified Bundled Group Chimer Group Chatter Group Supporter 7 Day Streak Group Friend Forum Friend
Report an issue