Why is it so difficult to smile

@Req

When I was feeling my worst and didn't want to be alive anymore I went to the doctor and they gave me an SSRI med which took the edge off. I felt more energetic and able to feel motivated to do things like self-care while I was on it. Self-care as in everything I could think of that boosts health/mood like ensuring I was getting enough exercise, sunlight at optimal angle and vitamin D3 (for serotonin production cause med doesn't include it), mindfulness sessions and minimizing major stressors in my life as much as possible cause part of the problem was anxiety sapping away all my energy after something really stressful.

I heard recently that people with sleep apnea are more prone to depression and low energy because of not being able to get enough rest no matter how long they sleep. I know a few people with gadgets that help them rest better.

@Req

I'm sorry to hear you've been struggling to smile. Its okay not smiling sometimes all our emotions are valid. Sometimes people smile from just enjoying different things and even when someone says something nice to them. Are there any things you enjoy doing?

Well for me I try to focus on the other person and find something I can learn. Personally I think people appreciate someone who listens closely and who genuinely laughs at their jokes or humour, it helps for me.

@Req

Hi Req!

I am sorry to hear you are having a hard time smiling!

When I want to smile but I can't I often start chatting with my friends (text to in-person) and try to make them laugh, usually that gets the ball rolling for me and we both can laugh and smile.

Sometimes it is just scrolling through jokes or memes or funny cat videos until it happens too

I hope these work for you too! Good luck on your smile journey!

@Req

Hi Req, I'm sorry to hear you're finding it very hard to smile. Smiling isnt an easy thing when you think there's nothing/nobody that makes you happy. To make smiling easier for you, think of the little things that matter to you and make you smile - this could be your pet, family member. teacher etc. Now imagine life without their humour, laughter, happiness and presence. That probably made you sad which shows that even if there's nobody you can think of right now, there are people around you that do bring a smile accross your face. Other ways include doing something you love such as baking, cycling etc..

I hope this helps in some way or another