The empty room

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He’s the life of the party, always cracking jokes and telling stories. They call him for every event, knowing he won’t fail to show up. He's a "my guy, your guy" kind of person. He mingles and enchants the room, leaving everyone captivated by his humor and charm. He's hard working, striving for excellence with unwavering commitment, but deep down, he sees no hope. He is drowning in pain and sadness, yet no one can see it. Every day, he puts on his happy mask and entertains the world until his mind can't take it anymore, and the show is over. He is lost in an empty room.


She epitomises perfection with her perfectly coiled hair, eyes resembling morning flowers, and an infectious laugh. Her confident stride matches her expensive car, and her iPhone captures every moment. Her delicate attention to detail leaves heads turned. To the world, she appears flawless and refined, but in the solitude of her empty room, she feels a sense of loss. Her mind whispers that she isn't good enough. The pressure to keep up appearances weighs heavy on her shoulders. The constant need for validation from others only adds to her feelings of inadequacy. Despite her outward appearance of success, deep down, she longs for inner peace that no amount of material possessions can provide. She hides her vulnerability behind a mask of perfection, never letting anyone see her pain.

Smiling depression is unseen constant sadness, with struggles that are hidden. Those affected walk through life under pressure to maintain a perfect image, keeping up appearances to conceal their true feelings. The fear of judgment or vulnerability outweighs the strength to seek help. They are physically present but emotionally absent, going through the motions of life as a formality. Their eyes may sparkle with a hint of sadness, a glimmer of desperation. They move with precision, performing a choreographed dance of normalcy, while their souls suffocate under the weight of their secrets. Their smiles act as a thin layer of paint covering the cracks on the wall, hidden beneath the surface but revealed, if given time.

Lost in a world where everyone is self-absorbed and self-centered, we often forget to truly be present. We focus on likes and views, neglecting the fact that behind every screen is a human being yearning for genuine connection. The biggest danger of smiling depression is that if left unnoticed and untreated, it can worsen. Those affected become experts at concealing their struggles, making it important for someone to take the time to notice when something is wrong. We need to always check up and check in on people, appearance is only an illusion.  If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, seek professional help.


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