DEPRESSION + SELF TEST
Depression
There is a difference from experiencing a low mood for a few days like females getting their period, tend to have a fair share of tears and refusing to get off the lounge (a low mood) compared to depression. Depression is a serious mood disorder that involves feeling sad for weeks, months, or longer.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. Depression can be debilitating and is not something someone can just 'get over'.
What causes depression?
Simply put, anything can. It may be a combination of environmental, psychological, or biological factors or because of challenging events, because of a difficult upbringing that made you unable to deal with challenging events. For most people, it tends to be a mix of these factors.
What are the symptoms?
Behavioural Changes - social withdrawal, ldecreased motivation to do activities, loss of interest in socialising, irritable.
Emotional Changes - increased feeling of sadness, crying more than usual, feeling worthless or helpless, low self esteem.
Cogitive changes - lack of/poor concentration, forgetfulness.
Physical changes: Decreased/increased appetite, disturbed sleep, increased/decreased sleep, low energy level, lack of libido.
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There is a questionaire test you can take , I have the test below to give you a guide and encourage you to book an appointment for professional help. By adding up your score you can see how much your depression is affecting you and if you may be experiencing a form of depression.
Add up your scores to make a total number, PHQ-9 for depression (score out of 27)
0 - 4 None/minimal symptoms
5 - 9 Mild depression​
10 - 14 Moderate depression
15 - 19 Moderately severe depression
20 - 27 Severe depression
What should I do?
Reach out for support and help. When you suspect you are experiencing depression, you should head to the GP. The GP can refer you to see a therapist.