Are you becoming less inclined to smile—could it be depression?

Here, depression refers to major depressive disorder. Whether becoming less inclined to laugh indicates depression needs to be determined according to specific circumstances. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. No

Depression is a relatively serious mental disorder, and symptoms such as low mood and reduced interest typically persist and are clearly evident. If the only change is becoming less likely to laugh, while all other aspects remain normal—basic behaviors and communication unaffected—it may be due to recent overexertion, excessive stress, or similar factors, and usually does not indicate depression.

2. Yes

If one becomes increasingly less inclined to laugh and also experiences significant emotional changes—such as prolonged low mood, unwillingness to communicate with others, loss of interest in all activities, or even tendencies toward self-harm—this could indicate depression.

When the above phenomena occur, if depression is suspected, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and differential diagnosis.