Smiling Depression Test: Online Self-Assessment

Unlike “classic” forms of depression, where symptoms might be more obvious, those with smiling depression often mask their struggles, presenting a seemingly happy and put-together exterior while grappling with internal pain. 

It’s important to note that smiling depression, or high-functioning depression, is not an official diagnosis. Rather, it’s a term used to describe individuals who experience symptoms of depression while continuing to maintain a seemingly happy, successful exterior. 

This experience can make smiling depression particularly challenging to recognize and understand.

This self-assessment is designed as a preliminary tool to help uncover these often-hidden struggles and guide you toward understanding and support.

Who is the quiz for?

This self-assessment is designed for anyone who suspects they might be experiencing symptoms of smiling depression. 

If you often feel like you’re wearing a mask, hiding your true feelings of sadness or hopelessness while maintaining a normal front, this quiz is for you. 

It’s also for those who might be performing well in their professional lives but feel emotionally depleted and unhappy internally.

Is the quiz accurate?

It’s essential to note that any online test should be treated as a preliminary screening tool, not as a definitive diagnosis. 

Mental health is complex, and each individual’s experience is unique. So, a thorough assessment by a qualified medical or mental health professional is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.

How to take the quiz and understand the results

Taking the quiz is straightforward. It involves responding to 15 statements based on your recent experiences and feelings. 

Choose the option that best describes how often you have felt or behaved in a certain way in the past six months.

After completing the quiz, the results can provide insight into whether you might be experiencing symptoms of smiling depression. High frequencies of “Often” or “Very often” in your responses could suggest that these symptoms are significantly impacting your life. 

Smiling depression quiz

1) I spend significant effort to keep up appearances, ensuring others see me as okay or happy.

     0. Never

     1. Rarely

     2. Sometimes

     3. Often

     4. Very often

2) I tend to keep my feelings of sadness or depression to myself, avoiding sharing them with others.

     0. Never

     1. Rarely

     2. Sometimes

     3. Often

     4. Very often

3) I overcompensate by being extra cheerful or engaged in social settings, despite feeling depressed inside.

     0. Never

     1. Rarely

     2. Sometimes

     3. Often

     4. Very often

4) Despite my internal struggle, I maintain a high level of performance at work or school.

     0. Never

     1. Rarely

     2. Sometimes

     3. Often

     4. Very often

5) I withdraw from social interactions and prefer to be alone, although I might not show it.

     0. Never

     1. Rarely

     2. Sometimes

     3. Often

     4. Very often

6) I experience physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or chronic pain without a clear medical cause.

     0. Never

     1. Rarely

     2. Sometimes

     3. Often

     4. Very often

7) I use certain activities or behaviors (like working excessively, alcohol, exercise) to cope with or mask my feelings.

     0. Never

     1. Rarely

     2. Sometimes

     3. Often

     4. Very often

8) I have difficulty admitting to myself that I might be depressed.

     0. Never

     1. Rarely

     2. Sometimes

     3. Often

     4. Very often

9) Despite appearing happy, I often feel sad or down inside.

     0. Never

     1. Rarely

     2. Sometimes

     3. Often

     4. Very often

10) I have lost interest in activities I used to enjoy.

     0. Never

     1. Rarely

     2. Sometimes

     3. Often

     4. Very often

11) I feel tired most of the time, even when I get enough sleep.

     0. Never

     1. Rarely

     2. Sometimes

     3. Often

     4. Very often

12) I have experienced significant changes in my appetite or weight.

     0. Never

     1. Rarely

     2. Sometimes

     3. Often

     4. Very often

13) I find it hard to focus or make decisions.

     0. Never

     1. Rarely

     2. Sometimes

     3. Often

     4. Very often

14) I often feel worthless or guilty about things that shouldn’t affect me this way.

     0. Never

     1. Rarely

     2. Sometimes

     3. Often

     4. Very often

15) My sleep patterns have changed; I either sleep too much or have trouble sleeping.

     0. Never

     1. Rarely

     2. Sometimes

     3. Often

     4. Very often

Next steps after the assessment

Once you’ve completed the assessment, what comes next is crucial. If your results indicate signs of smiling depression, or you feel that you’d benefit from professional depression help, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. 

Therapy can offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your feelings, understand the root causes of your struggles, and develop strategies to cope and heal.

At Calmerry, we have a powerful network of licensed, experienced mental health professionals. Each professional brings a wealth of knowledge and empathy. They ensure that you receive personalized care tailored to your unique experiences.

Start with a brief survey – and we will match you with your best-fit expert within 1 hour.