It is easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed in today’s fast-paced world. When these feelings persist and start interfering with your daily life, it may be a sign of a more serious issue – Depression.
According to the World Health Organization, over 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression, making it a primary global health concern. To raise awareness about this mental disorder, we have created a depression quiz to help you identify potential symptoms and know where you can get the support you need to lessen the severity of your symptoms.
In addition to the depression quiz, this article discusses what depression is, common symptoms, types of depression, and potential causes of this condition.
What is Depression?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is a mood disorder that affects the way you think, feel, and act.
Depression can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. According to a study of adults over the age of 20, women are twice as likely as men to develop depression. This is attributed to women facing different stressors as men do.
Some common symptoms include:
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- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness.
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- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once found enjoyable.
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- Disturbances in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping).
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- Fatigue and lack of energy.
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- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions.
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- Physical symptoms such as headaches, body aches, stomach problems, etc.
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- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Depression can manifest in various ways and may vary from person to person. You may experience one or more of the symptoms listed or display symptoms unique to you. This is part of why a diagnosis can help you understand your struggles with depression.
It is normal to feel down sometimes, with some thought patterns listed above. What makes depression different from a normal ebb and flow of emotions is the duration of these feelings. If you experience symptoms that interfere with your daily life for longer than two weeks, it could be an indication of major depression, and other types of depression may require longer symptom duration.
Types of Depression
There are several types of depression, each with its unique characteristics and symptoms. Some common types include:
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- Major Depression: A severe form of depression that can affect your ability to function normally.
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- Persistent Depressive Disorder: Also known as dysthymia, this is characterized by long-term symptoms that last for at least two years.
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- Perinatal Depression: A type of depression that occurs during pregnancy or within the first year after giving birth.
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- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A form of depression that occurs in a seasonal pattern, usually during the winter months.
Causes of Depression
While the exact cause of depression is yet to be fully understood, it is believed to be a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
Some potential causes of depression include:
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- Trauma or stress: Experiencing a traumatic event or ongoing stress can trigger depressive symptoms.
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- Family history: Having a family member with depression increases your risk of developing the disorder.
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- Chronic illness: Certain illnesses, such as cancer or chronic pain, can lead to depression. Note that your doctor should handle any chronic illness or pain concerns. Any depressive symptoms can be further managed by your counselor.
- Hormonal imbalances: Changes in hormone levels can affect brain chemistry and contribute to the development of depression. Testing for hormonal imbalances must be requested and evaluated by your doctor.
Take The Depression Quiz
Now that you have a deeper understanding of depression, its symptoms, and causes, it is time to identify any depressive mindsets, thought patterns, or changes in your daily activities that could be attributed to depression.
Answer “yes” or “no” to the following questions about how you have felt over the last two weeks. Keep track of how many “yes” answers you give.
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- Have you felt sad or hopeless?
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- Have you lost interest in activities that used to bring you joy?
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- Do you have trouble sleeping, or are you sleeping too much?
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- Do you feel tired and lack energy?
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- Are you having difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering details?
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- Have you had thoughts of self-harm or suicide?
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- Do you feel guilty without a specific reason?
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- Have you been feeling agitated, anxious, or irritable?
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- Are you experiencing persistent feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness?
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- Have you felt numb, even in traditionally stressful or exciting situations?
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- Have you lost interest in your appearance or hygiene?
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- Have you withdrawn from social activities or interactions with loved ones?
Results
If you answered “yes” to 5 or more of these questions, it is recommended that you speak with a mental health professional for further evaluation.
How To Manage Symptoms of Depression
Depression can be managed with a combination of approaches and therapies, depending on what works best for you. Know that help is available while you work on the roots of your depression.
1. Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Online CBT is a highly effective method for managing symptoms and improving your overall mental health. A therapist can provide support and guidance through talk or cognitive behavioral therapy, helping you learn coping mechanisms and develop healthier thought patterns.
Additionally, therapy can also address any underlying issues that may be contributing to the development of depression.
2. Medication: Medication may also be prescribed by a doctor to manage symptoms of depression. Antidepressants work by balancing brain chemicals that affect mood and emotions.
3. Stress Reduction: Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation can also help improve symptoms of depression.
4. Support System: A solid support system of family and friends can also provide comfort and understanding during difficult times. Having even one person to go to when your symptoms feel strong can help you feel seen, supported, and not alone.
Each of these methods for reducing your depression symptoms will be discussed in detail with your counselor to choose the option or combination of options that will work best for you.
Conclusion
Depression is a severe mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is essential to recognize the symptoms and seek help in managing them.
The depression quiz is a valuable tool in identifying potential symptoms of depression. Your counselor will ask you specific questions that may or may not lead to a clinical diagnosis. If your counselor determines you have depression, they will discuss treatment options to help you reduce the severity of your symptoms.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, reach out for support. We have caring and compassionate counselors available to meet you where you’re at, help you understand your symptoms, and create a custom treatment plan based on your symptoms and goals.
To get started on reducing your depression symptoms, call us at (833)-274-heal or make an appointment today to get started.
Keep talking about your experiences, seek help when needed, and most importantly, be kind to yourself in this self-discovery process.
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