The Canary Islands Institute of Statistics (ISTAC) confirms that 25% of Canarians suffer from symptoms of anxiety or depression. Hospiten reports the progressive increase in cases of this mood disorder in the Canary Islands, especially since the pandemic. According to the psychologist of Hospiten Lanzarote, Paula Tangarife, of all patients who suffer from depression, between 15 and 29% are diagnosed with the subtype of atypical depression, commonly known as "smiling depression".
This type is characterized by being present in active people who appear to lead a full life. Some of the most common symptoms are excessive sleep, sensitivity to rejection, increased appetite, or mood reactivity, that is, an improvement in mood in the face of positive events.
The Hospiten specialist warns that atypical depression has a series of added dangers. It is one of the most difficult to detect by the environment. Patients tend to hide their negative emotions for fear of being judged, resulting in feelings of incomprehension.
Likewise, people with atypical depression are more reluctant to ask for help. On the other hand, the active nature and particular energy of these cases allows them, unlike patients with generalized depression, to plan and carry out a suicide.
However, the specialist recalls that "smiling depression" is manageable by starting to stop rationalizing problems and working on their acceptance and management. In addition, she recalls that it is necessary to know the symptoms to reach a certain awareness and facilitate the detection of cases. Hospiten recommends cognitive-behavioral therapy as an interesting option to treat thought and behavior patterns.
