Depression is a serious disease; it steals your life away. Many people put up with depression, because they are too depressed to take any action or don't realize they have it. 80 to 90% of depressions can be treated. You can read about the types of depression and their treatment in: Help For Depression.
Below is a self test you can take if you think you might have depression. If you have more than half of these symptoms and they have persisted over time, it is worthwhile to seek professional help.
Suicidal thoughts or impulses. This is a dangerous situation and you must get professional help now.
Recurring negative thoughts about yourself; low self esteem.
Ruminating thoughts.
Feeling hopeless, helpless, inadequate.
Low mood.
Low energy, feeling sluggish or that you don't want to move. Having trouble completing things, procrastination.
Trouble getting out of bed in the morning.
Little or no interest in doing things that you previously enjoyed, avoiding people.
Problems with mental acuity like sharpness of thought and poor memory.
Trouble making decisions.
Irritability or anger in excess.
Change in sleep patterns such as oversleeping or difficulty falling or staying asleep, waking in the early morning and not being able to go back to sleep.
Changes in your appetite, eating more or less, food seems unappealing or you crave carbohydrates..
Loss of interest in sex. Loss of pleasure in everyday things. Feeling flat.
Daily mood change: Example: you always feel worse in the morning and better by evening.
Family history of depression, other mental/emotional problems or alcoholism - either treated or not.
You are welcome to call (608 255-8838 extension 5) or E-mail me (ann.veilleux@juno.com), and I will be happy to talk with you or make an appointment for further evaluation.
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