Are You Depressed?

Bill Gaultiere © 2000

Here’s a short self-test to help you see if you (or a loved one) might be “D-E-P-R-E-S-S-E-D.” This is a simple screening tool to identify key symptoms of depression.  Keep track of your “yes” answers, circling any of the nine symptoms that have one or more yes answers.

1. D ifficulty sleeping, eating, or sexually?  Are you sleeping too much or not enough?  Are you overeating or have you lost your appetite?  Has your sex drive diminished significantly or gone into overdrive?
2. E nergy-less?  Do you feel tired most of the time?  Are you having trouble feeling motivated to do the things you need to do?
3. P essimism about your future?  Do you feel negative about what’s ahead for you?  Do you feel hopeless?
4. R egrets about your past?  Do you feel bad when you think about things you’ve done in the past?  Are you struggling with guilt?
5. E njoyment gone?  Have you lost a sense of pleasure in your relationships, activities, and hobbies?  Does life feel more like a chore than a joy?
6. S ad?  Are you experiencing unexpected tearfulness?  Do you feel unhappy much of the time?
7. S elf-critical?  Are you quick to criticize your mistakes?  Are you often harsh with yourself?
8. E mpty?  Do you feel a sense of emptiness?  Does your life feel mundane or lacking in meaning?
9. D ecisions difficult?  Are you having trouble deciding what you need to do in situations?  Are you having problems concentrating?

Scoring: Three or more yes answers suggest you may have a problem with depression.  For diagnoses and treatment consult in person with a doctor or psychotherapist.

Bill & Kristi