Am I Depressed?
Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people and its impact on functioning can be debilitating. In 2016, approximately 16.1 million people aged 18 and over were diagnosed with a mental health condition, (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). Some of the signs of depression are difficulty concentrating, sad or low mood, diminished interests in activities, increased or decreased sleep, loss of pleasure in hobbies or interests that were previously enjoyable, and suicidal thoughts.
How do these symptoms affect me?
When depressed, you may find that activities that were previously enjoyable (i.e. watching movies, skating, going out to the movies) are no longer enjoyable.
Are you experiencing a loss of appetite or your appetite has increased?
Individuals who are depressed may experience a fluctuation in their appetite. Some people overeat, while others may find that they cannot eat at all.
Do you have difficulty concentrating or focusing on important tasks?
When depressed, the simplest tasks may take longer than usual. While difficulty focusing can be indicative of other mental health conditions (i.e. anxiety or attention deficit issues), this symptom is congruent with depression.
Do you feel sad, hopeless, or have loss your motivation?
Often individuals find that they not motivated to complete tasks or they may notice a decline in previous functioning. Individuals who previously excelled in an area may find that their performance has decreased.
Are you more irritable or easily frustrated?
While some people may not be sad, however, they may find that they are irritated or frustrated easier than they usually are.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important that you contact your primary health provider for a depression screening. In fact, ask your provider if they will give you a Patient Health Screening. Depression is treatable, however, it must first be detected.
National Institute of Mental Health (n.d.) Major depression among adults. Retrieved on August 8, 2017 from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/prevalence/major-depression-among-adults.shtml .
How do these symptoms affect me?
When depressed, you may find that activities that were previously enjoyable (i.e. watching movies, skating, going out to the movies) are no longer enjoyable.
Are you experiencing a loss of appetite or your appetite has increased?
Individuals who are depressed may experience a fluctuation in their appetite. Some people overeat, while others may find that they cannot eat at all.
Do you have difficulty concentrating or focusing on important tasks?
When depressed, the simplest tasks may take longer than usual. While difficulty focusing can be indicative of other mental health conditions (i.e. anxiety or attention deficit issues), this symptom is congruent with depression.
Do you feel sad, hopeless, or have loss your motivation?
Often individuals find that they not motivated to complete tasks or they may notice a decline in previous functioning. Individuals who previously excelled in an area may find that their performance has decreased.
Are you more irritable or easily frustrated?
While some people may not be sad, however, they may find that they are irritated or frustrated easier than they usually are.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important that you contact your primary health provider for a depression screening. In fact, ask your provider if they will give you a Patient Health Screening. Depression is treatable, however, it must first be detected.
National Institute of Mental Health (n.d.) Major depression among adults. Retrieved on August 8, 2017 from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/prevalence/major-depression-among-adults.shtml .
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