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If I can laugh does that mean I don't have depression?

Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Dec 5, 2016
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If you can laugh, it does not necessarily mean you don't have depression. Because people can smile on the outside, laugh to jokes and in certain cases, and still have depression looming over them. Sometimes, you may laugh on the outside, but feel the same; grey and void on the inside. Depression does not always show visibly on the faces of those who suffer from it.
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Profile: letsbehopeful
letsbehopeful on Sep 10, 2018
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Laughing has nothing to do with depression. I've been diagnosed with depression multiple times and laughing and smiling has always been my way to survive. One time my outpatient doctor also told the doctor at the inpatient unit that she should not trust my smiles and laughs too early. I bet that saved my life because I stayed at the hospital a couple of more days because I realized they were right. Before that, everyone around me also assumed that my depression could not be right because of my appearance. And now, my smiles and laughs are more real and truthful than ever.
Profile: Kaysha
Kaysha on Oct 11, 2016
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No it does not, depression does take most joy out of your life, but even the severely depressed have those rare moments of joy and laughter.
Profile: gracejune
gracejune on Sep 25, 2017
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Laughing doesn't measure your mental health, it's merely a form of expression, or a release of emotion, which we all experience. You can still have the ability to laugh freely while being depressed.
Profile: zaatarHoney
zaatarHoney on Nov 4, 2019
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This question breaks my heart a bit. You know, someone I think of... when I read your question is: Robin Williams. His life was dedicated to making us all laugh. He was comedy. He was warmth. He was comfort food for our hearts. In the end, his depression won. — So, to more directly answer your question, it’s possible to still laugh and enjoy certain parts of life, while also simultaneously feeling nearly hopeless and feeling pain. Please know, you aren’t alone. Always reach out for your support system, or us here at 7Cups, or even a professional therapist. Your laughter is beautiful, but healing is still necessary. ♡
Profile: SakuraSkye
SakuraSkye on Oct 15, 2016
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Of course not! Depression does not mean you're completely taken over by sadness! You can still find things funny, but it can often be harder to do so.
Profile: Bazin
Bazin on Feb 6, 2017
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No, absolutely not! I laugh regularly, but I still have depression. It's completely normal to wonder about that though.
Profile: friendlyIcicle64
friendlyIcicle64 on Jan 16, 2017
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Not necessarily, anyone can laugh and say that they are fine and still have depression. If you can laugh or smile genuinely then you might have a lesser chance of having depression. Some people are just really good at hiding their depression behind a smile or laugh that. If you think that you have depression you should get help from someone you trust.
Profile: resourcefulHeart96
resourcefulHeart96 on May 8, 2017
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You can still laugh and have depression. I remember purposefully trying to find things to make me laugh so that i would have a twinge of happiness.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jul 11, 2017
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No, you can laugh even when you have depression. You just need to find a thing to laugh about like your family and friends
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Feb 12, 2018
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You can laugh and still be depressed. Being depressed insn't just being sad at times, it's deeper than that. If you feel like you're depressed than you could be, smiling about things doesn't change it.
Profile: KaptainKurt1
KaptainKurt1 on Apr 24, 2018
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Not entirely, I know many depressed friends of mine who can laugh, smile, and be happy sometimes and still be depressed. Depression isn't the exact same thing as sadness, though it can definitely cause someone to fake being happy more times than not.
Profile: ceruleancacti
ceruleancacti on Nov 13, 2017
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Laughter does not negate a positive diagnosis for clinical depression. There will be ebbs and flows with mood and just because one can smile or laugh, does not mean they cannot be diagnosed with depression.
Profile: sillyseraph002
sillyseraph002 on Apr 17, 2018
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it does not. depression manifests in many different ways. talk to a licensed therapist to work through it. they can make proper recommendations that are appropriate for your type of depression and for your life.
Profile: here2support
here2support on Dec 11, 2017
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No not necessarily. you can still be positive at some times when you have depression. Laughing is a part of everyday life. You can still have depression
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