To
get an idea if you have a tendency toward
depression, look over the following statements
to determine how many apply to you on
a fairly frequent basis:
| |
I feel sad or discouraged
more than I would like to be. |
| |
It is easy to dwell
on what might go wrong. I can be pessimistic. |
| |
Socially, I would
prefer to withdraw rather than be
in groups.
|
| |
I have a low interest
these days in sexual activity. |
| |
Others might describe
me as moody or irritable. |
| |
I have regrets
about the past that will not fade
away easily. |
| |
There have been
times recently when the thought of
dying has seemed appealing. |
| |
Laughter and joviality
do not come as naturally as they once
did. |
| |
My sleep patterns
have been irregular; either I want
to sleep too much or I cannot sleep
enough. |
| |
My appetite has
changed; I either eat too much or
too little. |
| |
I cannot seem to
sustain my motivation to complete
tasks. |
| |
My concentration
level is just not what it should be. |
| |
I cannot seem to
get over feelings of grief or loss. |
| |
I feel like I am
on the verge of crying more than normal. |
| |
Recently I have
been thinking more about the things
I resent. |
| |
I find it hard
to be fully open in disclosing my
deepest feelings and needs. |
| |
Lately I have felt
trapped by a sense of duty and obligation. |
| |
I have had a hard
time handling feelings of rejection
or abandonment. |
| |
I am not really
sure that many people would care if
I told them how I feel. |
It is not pleasant to
recognize that you can be prone to depression,
but if you are to get beyond its grasp,
it is necessary to be honest about its
presence. If you responded to at least
10 of the above statements, there is a
good chance that depression has a hold
on you. Don't give up in despair, however,
because depression can be treated both
with insight oriented counseling and with
antidepressant medicines that can be prescribed
specifically for your combination of symptoms.
Be willing to take the next step to insure
that you get the assistance you need.
You are worth it!
