The following depression test is presented here to help you become more familiar with the signs and symptoms of depression. This depression test questionnaire is not intended to replace a visit to a mental health professional. Only a professional can diagnose depression.
Do you struggle with a sense of feeling inferior to others?
Do you have periods of depression, which last for more than 2 weeks without any apparent cause?
Do you have "the blues" often, feeling like "things" will never change?
Do you find it difficult to be interested in hobbies or activities that you used to enjoy?
Do memories of your childhood cause you to feel depressed?
Do you often dwell on hurts or lost expectations of the past?
Do you have times when it is difficult to find the energy to accomplish anything?
Have you experienced any weight gain or loss (5% of body weight) while not dieting or attempting to gain weight?
Do you struggle with not feeling a part of any family or group?
Do you struggle with any deep fears about any life situation?
Do you have times when you just don't feel you are good enough, right enough or perfect enough?
Do personal problems seem to overwhelm you?
Have you had any change in your sleeping patterns? Are others saying that you are sleeping too little or too much?
Do you feel others always have more to contribute then you do?
Do you find it difficult to hear criticism about yourself from anybody?
Do you feel defensive when "confronted" by anyone about anything?
Is it easy for you to cry about any loss?
Is it difficult for you to concentrate or make decisions about most things?
Does feeling guilty seem to be common to your everyday thinking?
Do you find you have a lot of thoughts about death or dying, or wishing you were dead and feeling no pain?
If you checked more than 10 of the 20 questions in this depression test it is a strong indication that depression is a serious problem in your life. It is a sizable enough problem that it is effecting your social life and relationships around you. When this continues for a period of time -- one or two months -- chemical changes begin to take place within the body. This often times exacerbates an already deteriorating condition, causing you to feel even more depressed. You become more withdrawn, isolating yourself emotionally. it is at this stage of pain when addictions begin to occur.
In an effort to run from the pain we have a tendency to attempt to "self medicate". That is, find something to relieve the pain. It may be drugs (leagal or illegal), alcohol, sex, ect., or any number of "things" or activities that provide temporary relief. The problem is it is only temporary, therefore we keep wanting more and more. The result of course is an addiction, which often becomes more of a problem than the pain it was initially trying to escape.
Remember this depression test can't replace diagnosis from a qualified doctor, but it can give you an idea of where you're at.
