There are so many different smiles, and even in depression there can still be many smiles. There is the fake one that shows people you are okay when your not – this is the one that exhausts you. There is the genuine smile when your children do something amazing for you. There is a half smile when your trying to be ok but just not there.
As much as we say we need to try and be there for someone who is anxious or depressed, we also need to know when to give them space. As always having to put a smile on your face and act normal (whatever normal is), just exhausts you. There needs to be a balance, knowing when someone needs a bit of space and alone time and then also not letting them be on their own all the time and letting them know you are there for them.
Depression is a minefield, I have no idea why I am feeling like this, trying to understand it, exhausts me and trying to put on a smile, exhausts me.
Anxious mum30 