All Ages Special Feature

ARE YOU DEPRESSED?

The hallmark signs of being depressed are feelings of sadness, withdrawal from usual activities, and a lowered enjoyment of life. However depression can manifest itself in other ways. More than two 'yes' answers to the following questions can point to depression (adapted from the National Institute of Mental health's Depression awareness, Recognition and treatment program).

1) Much of the time, do you feel: Sad, lethargic, pessimistic, hopeless, worthless or helpless?

2) Much of the time do you: Have difficulty making decisions, trouble concentrating or memory problems?

3) Lately, have you: Lost interest in things that used to give you pleasure, had problems at work or in school, had problems with your family or friends, or isolated yourself from others, or wanted to?

4) Lately, have you: Felt low energy, felt restless and irritable; had trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or getting up in the morning; lost your appetite, or gained weight; been bothered by persistent headaches, stomachaches, or backaches; or experienced muscle or joint pains?

5) Lately have you: Been drinking more alcohol than you used to, been taking more mood altering drugs than you used to, or engaging in risky behavior (such as not wearing a seat belt or crossing streets without looking)?

6) Lately have you been thinking about: Death, hurting yourself, your funeral or killing yourself?