Depression is a common mental health problem that affects people's mood and life silently, like a cold of the soul. Unfortunately, however, depression has not received the attention it deserves. In the fast-paced modern life, many people still have a superficial understanding of depression, and even misunderstand it as a simple low mood or weak personality.
Symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, loss of interest, changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, and inability to concentrate. These symptoms not only affect the patient's daily life, but may also lead to difficulties in work and interpersonal relationships. Despite this, many people still believe that depression is a problem that can be solved by "cheer up" or "thinking more positively", a view that ignores the biological and neurological basis of depression.
Types of Depression
Anxious distress – depression with unusual restlessness or worry about possible events or loss of control
Mixed features – depression and mania at the same time, including increased self-esteem, excessive talkativeness, and high energy
Melancholic features – severe depression, lack of response to things that once brought joy, accompanied by early morning awakenings, worsening mood in the morning, significant changes in appetite, and feelings of guilt, restlessness, or sluggishness
Atypical features – depression includes the ability to be temporarily pleased by happy events, increased appetite, excessive need for sleep, sensitivity to rejection, and a feeling of heaviness in the arms or legs
Psychotic features – depression with delusions or hallucinations that may involve personal inadequacy or other negative themes
Catonic – depression includes motor activity involving uncontrollable and purposeless movements or fixed and inflexible postures
Perinatal onset – depression that occurs during pregnancy or in the weeks or months after delivery (postpartum)
Seasonal pattern – depression related to seasonal changes and reduced exposure to sunlight
Depression self-test
Take five minutes to answer the following nine questions to self-assess whether you have depression
In the past 2 weeks, how often have you been troubled by any of the following problems?
1. Lack of interest or pleasure in doing things
● Not at all
● A few days
● More than half the days
● Almost every day
2. Feeling low, depressed, or hopeless
● Not at all
● A few days
● More than half the days
● Almost every day
3. Having trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
● Not at all
● A few days
● More than half the days
● Almost every day
4. Feeling tired or having low energy
● Not at all
● A few days
● More than half the days
● Almost every day
5. Loss of appetite or overeating
● Not at all
● A few days
● More than half the days
● Almost every day
6. Feeling bad about yourself - or feeling like a failure and a disappointment to yourself or your family
● Not at all
● A few days
● More than half the days
● Almost every day
7. Having trouble concentrating on things like reading the newspaper or watching TV
● Not at all
● A few days
● More than half the days
● Almost every day
8. Moving or talking too slowly for others to notice? Or the opposite—feeling restless, moving around more than usual
● Not at all
● A few days
● More than half the days
● Almost every day
9. Thoughts that death would be better, or that you would harm yourself in some way
● Not at all
● A few days
● More than half the days
● Almost every day
Based on your answers, see which test results match. Note: This assessment is not a diagnosis, but it can help direct you to appropriate care resources. For a diagnosis, contact your doctor or mental health professional.
You can retake this self-assessment at any time.