How Depressed Am I?

Take this quiz to see how severe your depression is.

Depression comes in many forms, but one thing is always the same: It can be treated, so you can feel better. But first, it’s helpful to know how severe your depression is, so you can make a plan of attack.

Answer these quick questions about your experience with depression, and we’ll tell you, from an outsider’s perspective, what kind of depression you might have.

(Note: This is a questionnaire made to help you evaluate your own symptoms. For a full diagnosis and treatment, see a therapist or psychiatrist.)

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Questions Overview

1. How much do you sleep?
  1. More than 10 hours a day
  2. 7-10 hours a day
  3. 4-7 hours a day
  4. Less than 4 hours a day
2. In general, you'd describe your overall mood as:
  1. Hopeless or despairing
  2. Tired and weary
  3. Uncaring or numb
  4. Hopeful or optimistic
3. How's your appetite?
  1. Nonexistent. I barely eat.
  2. I snack here and there, but don't eat many meals.
  3. I sometimes skip meals, but I force myself to eat when I need to.
  4. I have no problem eating a satisfying amount of food.
  5. I often overeat, even when I'm not hungry.
4. Do you have any hobbies or interests you enjoy doing?
  1. None at all. I come home and do very little until it's time to sleep.
  2. I have one or two small hobbies, but I don't do them much.
  3. I have a few hobbies, but it's hard to get the motivation to do them.
  4. I have a few hobbies that I enjoy doing regularly.
5. How would you describe your energy levels on a typical day?
  1. I never feel like I have any energy.
  2. I sometimes have bursts of energy, but not usually.
  3. I have a decent amount of energy, but it drains quickly.
  4. I have plenty of energy.
6. Are you able to watch television or read a book without getting distracted?
  1. No, it's hard to sit still that long.
  2. I can power through it if I really try, but it's hard.
  3. I sometimes get distracted, but not very much.
  4. I don't usually get distracted at all.
7. Do you find it hard to connect with the people around you?
  1. Yes. I'm not very interested in connecting.
  2. Yes. I want to connect, but it feels impossible.
  3. Somewhat. I can connect, but it's not easy.
  4. No, I have little trouble connecting with others.
8. Do you ever have any aches, pains, or illnesses you can’t explain?
  1. Yes, I often have headaches or back pain, or feel very ill.
  2. Yes, I sometimes feel sore or slightly ill.
  3. No, not that I've noticed.
9. How would you describe your emotions throughout the day?
  1. My emotions are stable, but only because I don't feel many.
  2. My emotions often feel surprising and don’t match the situation.
  3. My emotions are sometimes unpredictable, but mostly normal.
  4. My emotions are often stable and match the situation.
10. We know it’s so difficult to dwell on, but have you ever had thoughts of self-harm?
  1. Often
  2. Sometimes
  3. Rarely
  4. Never

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Depression can make things appear to be hopeless or permanent, but we want to tell you with total certainty that that is not<\/i> the truth. That\u2019s what your mental illness wants you to believe\u2014but believe us, there is hope, and while there may not be a switch you can flip to change things, there are paths out of the dark that will lead you back to yourself and the life you deserve. And sometimes, when you find the right treatment or right balance, things can get much better, much faster than you\u2019d think. Sometimes, even when it feels most hopeless, relief is actually right around the corner, and just coming into view.

For major depression, the best treatment<\/a> is often psychotherapy. A professional medical expert can help you diagnose and manage your symptoms, and create a plan for overcoming your depression. Even if you think you can't afford or access professional treatment, there are avenues for treatment, like pro-bono services or medical studies. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can get the help you need, and the sooner you can live the life you deserve.

For information on how to start understanding your depression, fighting it, and seeking treatment, check out these resources:

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness This is the hallmark symptom of depression. A dark mood that you just can’t shake, no matter how hard you try. Things that used to make you feel passionate and alive lose their appeal, and you can’t seem to find an outlet for your frustration, or to find that spark again.

Low energy When you’re depressed, your body has chronically low energy. This can be caused by many things, primarily irregular sleep, but also by hormonal shifts, neurochemical imbalances, or stress that saps your motivation and makes you feel sluggish.

Sleeping too little, or too much Depression tends to dramatically alter your sleep schedule, but not always. Some people find themselves sleeping too much, in excess of hours, while others find themselves sleeping far too little as a result of stress or hormonal imbalances.

Poor appetite Your appetite is also impacted when you suffer from depression, and again, this can have a number of root causes. Commonly, your brain’s motivation for sustenance and food intake wanes as it prioritizes other survival functions.

Trouble focusing Depression has a way of stealing your concentration, or making it hard to focus on the task at hand. Things feel pointless or unfulfilling, and so you bounce from one thing to the next, trying to find a task that you can invest yourself in, with little success.

Thoughts of self-harm
Of course, depression is also often, but not always, accompanied by thoughts of hurting oneself, or of suicide. People sometimes look to these as ways of “escaping” the pain, seeing no other way out, but there are options for recovery, and self-harm doesn’t have to be the option you gravitate to.

How can I start treating my own depression? Depression is unique for everyone, and the best solution is to work with a therapist or psychiatrist to come up with a personalized treatment plan. Often, though, home treatment involves finding a support system of people who can pull you out of yourself, and establishing a healthy routine of diet, exercise, and activities that helps you “live life on the rails” for a while as you stabilize and find comforts elsewhere, while still finding things to get excited about.

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Any medically related content, whether User Content or otherwise found on the Service, is not intended to be medical advice or instructions for medical diagnosis or treatment, and no physician-patient or psychotherapist-patient relationship is, or is intended to be, created.

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