Depression is a common mental disorder that causes people to feel sad, and hopeless and lose interest in activities. Depression affects how you think, feel, and behave. It can lead to physical problems such as insomnia, fatigue, and weight loss or gain.
Depression is more than just feeling “down” for a few days. It’s a serious mental illness that requires treatment. If you have depression, you may have trouble functioning at work or school and in your personal life. Depression can make it hard to enjoy your hobbies or spend time with friends and family.
Depression affects people of all ages, but it is very common in teens or young adults. Women are nearly twice as likely to experience depression than men. Some studies suggest that one-third of women will experience a depressive episode at some point in their lives.
Common Symptoms of Depression
There are many different symptoms of depression, and not everyone experiences the same symptoms. Some common symptoms of depression include:
Feeling sad or empty – Depression is more than just feeling down or going through a rough patch. Most people confuse depression with sadness. While it is normal to feel down occasionally, these symptoms should not last for more than two weeks. Depression is more cognitive.
Loss of interest – One of the common signs of depression is loss of interest or pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable.
Feeling of hopelessness – Another common sign is the feeling of hopelessness which is often accompanied by feelings of helplessness and suicidal thought.
Changes in sleep patterns – People suffering from depression often complain about the loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping.
Fatigue – decreased energy levels and difficulty concentrating or making decisions, are also common signs experienced by people suffering from depression.
Depression is treatable with medication and psychotherapy. If you think you might be depressed, talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you figure out if you have depression and how to treat it.
Who Is This Partner Depression Quiz For?
This depression quiz is for someone who thinks that their partner or spouse is suffering from depression. Below is a series of questions that are based on the common life experience of people suffering from depression.
How Accurate Is This Quiz?
This quiz is NOT a tool to identify mental health disorders. Only a licensed mental health care professional or specialist can diagnose mental health disorders.
MySelfCareNotes believes that self-assessments can be an initial step toward getting treatment. Too many people tend to avoid seeking professional assistance out of fear that their objections are not serious or legit enough.
