Do take a depression test, but beware of self-diagnosis.It is becoming easier to take a depression test online now that the condition of depression is losing its stigma of shame and secrecy and getting the exposure it deserves. 
At least ten per cent of the population will experience some form of depression in their lives.Mental health professionals will tell you that you don't have to have all the symptoms of depression to be diagnosed as clinically depressed. Everyone is vulnerable to experiencing disappointments in life which may produce temporary sadness. But when symptoms are persistent and interfere with daily functions of living, then it may be time to look for professional help. Be Cautious! • If you identify with the following symptoms, it doesn't necessarily mean you have depression. • A thorough assessment by a qualified health professional is essential for an accurate diagnosis of depression. • Feeling sad, helpless and hopeless most of the time, most days. • Changed sleeping habits: sleeping more or less than usual; waking up early. • Change in activity: increased restlessness or an obvious decrease in mobility and movement. • Increased fatigue: feeling drained all the time. • Feeling guilt: this may include guilt about very minor matters. • Inability to concentrate: your mind is jumping from thought to thought. • Inability to make any decisions: you avoid taking any action. • Thinking about death or suicide: you may be thinking about killing yourself. • Lack of interest in activities: the activities you participated in are no longer enjoyable. • Lack of interest in people: you tend to avoid social activity. • Eating: you now eat a lot more than you used to, or you eat a lot less. • Weigh gain/loss: you have experienced obvious weight loss or obvious weight gain. Obviously, many non-depressed people have experienced some of the above symptoms at various points in their lives. Other factors? Other, and less obvious, factors have also been associated with depression: As these may not be apparent by simply taking an online test, it is even more important to get as much information on the subject as possible. Treatment? Many people, including myself, find relief in proper diet, exercise, herbal treatments, nutritional cleansing, detox and other natural approaches – in other words, depression help in using the body to influence the mind. Others require prescription medication and treatments which should be supervised by a medical doctor. Should you take the Beck Depression Inventory? It's a quick and easy online psychological test. Return to Home Page from Take a Depression Test |
