Has anyone heard of this term used by my doctor today??
I am feeling really well now after really suffering badly(loads of different drugs, 2 courses of ECT, 2suicide attempts)I am on 150mg of amitryptiline and doing great but just curious. As long as I stay this well he can call it what he likes, but I have never heard it used before.

[deleted]

[This message has been edited by chrysanthemum (edited 01-08-2003).]

Hi there!
I havent heard this term before either, but hear it a lot from my friends. (who understand nothing about depression, other than the old school thinking of mental illness) I am usually in fine form on the outside, while turmoil rules me on the inside. Glad to hear you are looking AND feeling good!
:D
hellonwhls

Hi - it's probably just a non-medical term for someone (like myself, as well) who can be deeply depressed, but still manages to shower, put on makeup, and smile when the situation deems it necessary....which makes some people wonder if we are truly depressed, (I HATE when a friend will say, "But you don't LOOK depressed")....!! I will have to remember that - "A smiling depressive..!"

Hi Chris,

I don't care what it's called as long as you keep smiling and the depression stays away.

Many hugs my dear friend.

(((((((((((((((Chris))))))))))))

http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/clown.gif

You seem to be a smiling person who was a depressive
but is doing well at the moment.

Like some of the others have said, when I hear the term I think of how badly I feel. But I think I usually smile and give my standard nervous responses in the group and with the therapist. In general I smile when I deal with people.

But this smile has nothing to do with happiness.

Thanks peeps for your input.
Like I said They can call it what they like if I continue like this.I am smiling on the inside as well as the outside!!
I am going to hang around this board and if I can offer words of wisdom or comfort someone or just let them know they are not alone then I will. I owe this board so much and to any newcomers to the board, stay around you have found one of the best supports around.
Take care Chris