Depression is a very devastating illness. It can harm an individual’s physical, mental and emotional states. Not only that, depression can affect the people surrounding the individual. If left untreated, depression can lead to permanent damage, and even death. So, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Depression, however, can be very tricky. You may feel sad for a time, but when you realize it’s not just sadness you’re feeling, it’s already depression. You may also feel that depression is over, but when triggered, it can crawl back even worse than before. The question is how would you know if you already have depression?
Like any other illnesses, the best way to combat depression is to detect it as early as possible. If you feel you already have its symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor. But if you want a cheaper way, you can always take free depression tests, which can be found online. You can even do your own tests.
Do It Yourself Depression Test
Only a percentage of the depressed see a psychiatrist. Usually the ones with the financial capability and those with severe cases are the ones who do. What about the majority of those who don’t consult with their doctors? What can they do to find out if they’re depressed or not and more important, what can they to do cope with depression?
Also, a lot of psychiatrists say that they could only do so much for a depressed person. A lot has to do with one’s willingness to recover. What most psychiatrists do is make them follow a certain regimen to test their depression.
- Keep a journal – Record whatever you felt for the day. Write down the things that made you feel you feel that way. Whether you felt sad today, for instance, because a good friend of yours broke up with his girlfriend or you felt happy because there was not much work and you were able to do the other things you’ve wanted to do, write it down. Keep track of all these things, even the smallest details. With this, it will be easier to find the symptoms.
- Watch your weight – This is very important. Depression can either make you lose your appetite or make you overeat. Significant weight loss or weight gain can be a sign that you are depressed. Not eating because you are not hungry during meal times or you’re overeating may be a cause to your weight gain/loss. A bad sign is when you find food as comfort.
- Monitor your sleeping habits – Depression can alter your sleeping habits. You may have insomnia. You wake up several times due to “broken sleep.” You even have trouble getting out of bed every morning, with the feeling of lethargy ever-present.
- Observe Your Daily Routines – Do the things you regularly do. Whether it is an early morning jogging, spending time with the kids or dogs, or even watching your favourite show, just keep doing such. Losing interest in the things you love, for no apparent reason, is a sign of depression.
- Monitor your energy level – Getting tired easily or having low energy could result to a lot of things: lack of concentration, simple tasks become hard to do, etc. If this goes on for days or week, it could also be a sign.
Depression Screening Test
Apart from this list, you can take depression screening test that can be found all over the internet. Here is a simple test that you can take by just answering Yes or No.
- Do you feel sad most of the time?
- Do you still enjoy doing things you used to enjoy doing?
- Do you isolate yourself from the others?
- Do you get irritated easily?
- Do you have a hard time sleeping?
- Do you eat less than usual?
- Do you eat more than usual?
- Do you feel aches and pains that won’t go away?
- Do you have a hard time concentrating?
- Do you get upset and fearful but you don’t know why?
- Do you have little or no energy?
- Do you feel like not talking to people?
- Do you despise yourself?
- Are you mad at people or the world?
- Do you feel hopeless?
- Have you thought of suicide?
If you say yes on most of the question, you’re probably depressed. It is best that you consult your psychiatrist to address the situation.
Manic Depression Test
There are no standardized manic depression tests. However, through medical assessment, manic depression can be easily spotted given based on three criteria: the symptoms, the course of the illness and the family history (if available).
However, there are manic depression tests that can be found online which ask you questions similar to the depression screening test but are more extreme and more related to manic depression (also known as bipolar disorder).
Here are some sample questions:
- Have you felt unusually dizzy? Did it lead you to causing trouble, thereafter?
- Have you felt like eating more than usual or more than the amount your body could take?
- Have you had trouble sleeping or did not sleep at all until the morning after?
- Have you felt that ideas were coming into your head way too fast?
- Do you talk way too fast or talking more than usual?
- Have your emotions been overwritten by a strong feeling of guilt?
- Do you feel a sudden loss of appetite?
- Have you felt sad or depressed after being so hyperactive?
Answering yes would probably make you a candidate for bipolar disorder.
Note that these tests are just preliminary tests. It should not be a basis on what your condition is. As said earlier, it is always best to consult with your physician so you can get proper medical attention.
