Depression Test

You may have been feeling a little down lately and are now wondering if it’s something more than just being sad. A depression test, or screening, can help determine whether your symptoms indicate a more serious mental health issue.

A Serious Mood Disorder

Depression can affect every aspect of your daily life. A serious mood disorder, it can impact how you think and feel as well as how you sleep, eat, or work. When you are suffering from depression, you can struggle with daily activities and have other symptoms, depending on the type of depression you have.

The different types of depression include:

• Persistent depressive disorder – a depressed mood that lasts for more than two years. If you are diagnosed with this form of depression, you typically have episodes of major depression that may be interspersed by periods of less severe symptoms.
• Psychotic depression – severe depression that is accompanied by some form of psychosis. You may experience delusions or hallucinations, for example. Your symptoms will usually have a depressive theme, such as having delusions of poverty, illness, or guilt.
• Seasonal affective disorder – depression that usually occurs during the winter months. Typically, if you are diagnosed with this type of depression, your mood will lift somewhat during the spring and summer months when there is more natural sunlight. However, the depression will then return when the amount of daylight is reduced in the late fall and winter.
• Postpartum depression – a depression that women experience after giving birth. More serious than “baby blues,” postpartum depression can occur during pregnancy and after delivery. A woman can experience extreme exhaustion, anxiety, and sadness, making it difficult for her to take care of herself and her baby.

Symptoms of Depression

A depression test will help you understand the symptoms you’ve been experiencing. If you have experienced any of these signs or symptoms for most of each day, almost every day, for the past two weeks or more, you may be suffering from depression:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Irritability
• Moving or talking more slowly
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment
• Appetite and/or weight changes
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

If you are thinking about or have attempted suicide, or if you are thinking about hurting yourself, regardless of the reason, it is very important that you reach out for help immediately. You can call 911 or go to your local emergency room, or call your healthcare provider or mental health provider. You can also call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

Depression Test

When you recognize these symptoms, it may be time for a screening for depression. A depression test can mean the difference in your mental health going forward. Knowing the cause behind your mood disorder is important so you can get the treatment you need. You can contact your healthcare professional or mental health provider to discuss the screening and to participate in the test.

As part of the depression test, your healthcare provider may also give you a complete physical exam, including a blood test, to rule out any medical reasons for your depression. For example, if you have anemia or a thyroid disease, you might experience depression as a symptom of that condition.

The depression test itself will consist of a serious of detailed questions about your feelings and behaviors. It is critical for you to answer these questions honestly. Your mental health provider will use this test to ensure you are receiving the appropriate level of care for your mood disorder.

California Faith-Based Mental Health and Addiction Treatment

Celebrate Hope is here for you when you need help with mental health issues, particularly when they co-occur with addiction. Please contact Celebrate Hope to learn more about our faith-based dual diagnosis treatment program. Our team helps men and women address the vicious cycle of mental illness and addiction so they can begin life anew. We rely on the teachings of Jesus Christ, along with evidence-based therapies to get individuals on the path of recovery.