Beyond a depression test

It’s perfectly normal to feel sad from time to time for any number of reasons—like the death of a loved one, relationship issues, or just a bad day at work. But if you suffer from depression, negative feelings can take over your life, making you feel miserable most of the time, and leaving you feeling like there’s no hope.

This informal test can help you decide whether to seek treatment or an evaluation for depression. There is hope with treatment for mental health disorders like depression. Contact the team at Rosecrance for residential or outpatient mental health treatment for adults and teens.

Beyond a Depression Test: Diagnosis and Treatment for Depression

Remember, this depression test is meant only as a self-assessment. A professional evaluation can help you determine what services are right for you so you can get started on the road to recovery as soon as possible. Seek a diagnosis from a clinical professional if you find yourself answering yes to many of these questions.

#1: Have you felt hopeless or depressed for several weeks or months?

One or two days, or even a week of feeling down or depressed may not lead to a diagnosis of depression. But when feelings of depression or hopelessness persist for weeks or more, or recur frequently over the course of several weeks, you may suffer from depression.

#2: Do you struggle to engage in activities you once found enjoyable?

You might not be able to enjoy the activities you once loved, avoiding hobbies, exercise, or time with friends or family. Social interactions may feel difficult and cumbersome, or you might become uninterested in activities like cooking or shopping. Even watching TV or reading the newspaper may seem like a chore.

#3: Are you feeling tired or low on energy?

If you have depression, you may feel tired even if you have gotten plenty of sleep. It may be difficult to keep your eyes open or focus throughout the day. And you may feel “wiped out” or low on energy even during everyday events, like grocery shopping.

#4: Do you have trouble maintaining a normal sleep schedule?

People suffering from depression may not sleep enough—or they may find themselves sleeping or napping more than usual. Whether you struggle to get out of bed or find yourself too down to fall asleep at all, you may suffer from depression.

#5: Do you feel either restless or sluggish during the day?

Depression is not the same for everyone. Many people with depression will feel sluggish throughout the day, moving slowly and finding it hard to achieve even menial tasks. Others may feel restless or agitated, with symptoms of anxiety, as these two things often go hand in hand.

#6: Have your eating habits changed?

Any major shift in eating habits, coupled with feeling down or depressed, can be a sign of clinical depression. This includes eating too little and losing weight or overeating, particularly as other daily tasks seem to fall by the wayside.

#7: Do you struggle to concentrate at work, school, or daily activities?

If you find yourself zoning out during work or school, you may feel like it’s your fault. Depression leaves you struggling to focus even on simple tasks. If it’s tough to clear your mind during daily activities, you may benefit from a professional diagnosis.

#8: Are you worried that you let yourself or your loved ones down?

If you suffer from depression, you may worry that your friends and loved ones constantly feel let down. You might even feel like you’ve let yourself down, which only worsens your symptoms.

#9: Do these issues cause problems between you and your loved ones?

During long periods of depression, your loved ones may start to notice the signs and symptoms and become worried or even angry. Without any information about your diagnosis, they may become increasingly frustrated by your mood or lack of focus, hoping that you’ll simply “snap out of it.” 

#10: Do you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide?

Thoughts of self-harm or suicide are signs of depression you cannot ignore. If you answered yes to any of the questions on our test, you can call Rosecrance to talk at any time, 24 hours a day. 

Find hope today along with a roadmap for lasting recovery. Call Rosecrance at 888.928.5278.