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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Nervous Smile
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
Nervous Smile
by JohnnieC, Sep 17, 2007 11:21AM
Ok, this might seem petty but I'm not sure where else to ask the question. I have a nervous smile. When I'm uncomfortable a big goofy grin comes across my face. This was difficult to deal with as I was growing up but now, as a parent and business man, it's really difficult. It's hard for my childern to know if I'm serious and it's difficult for partners at work to take me seriously. Is there some sort for cure? Excercise, or theraphy that could help?
John
John
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Sep 17, 2007 05:39PM
, Sep 17, 2007 05:39PM
To: johnniec
You can get help in therapy, particular cognitive behavior therapy. You can also start your own investigation by realizing that the smile is a mask to cover other feelings. So experiment, next time it happens, spend a moment observing yourself, identify the feelings, and work to figure out why you would be uncomfortable feeling, or expressing, those feelings.
Member Comments (2)
by tempe, Oct 05, 2007 11:49PM
To: johnniec
Hey John, I thought I was the only one on the planet with this problem! I feel for ya, and know exactly how you feel. I'm intelligent, a college graduate, scratch golfer, but cant help from smiling when nervous. Typically in conversation. Makes no sense. I'm in control of every aspect of my life except this problem. Relationships with friends and family are struggling, work, etc. Everyone looks at me like i'm a complete moron. My future looks very bleak if I don't find a solution to this soon. Please write back with any ideas. Tempe
