The Facial Feedback Hypothesis presupposes the impact of an individual’s own facial expressions on his subjective emotional experience. Although the validity of this hypothesis raises multiple concerns, several studies suggest that smiling may initiate and magnify feelings of happiness in non-emotional scenarios.
In the present day, it is continually supported by ordinary people in everyday life through the belief that sometimes it is essential to pretend to be happy and confident and express it in order to feel it finally. In the same way, the Facial Feedback Hypothesis may be applied to an additional practice in the therapy for patients with depression and other mental health disorders.
It goes without saying that it cannot substitute the whole therapy as the reasons for depression need a highly complex approach. However, if a patient smiles more expressing satisfaction and comfort, there is a chance that the symptoms of depression will be slightly mitigated.