To link into yesterday's blog about the difference between sadness and depression - here is a screening test for depression for you to do.
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) ( Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB; The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med. 2001 Sep 16(9):606-13)
Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
Little interest or pleasure in doing things?
0
1
2
3
Not at all
Several days
More than half the days
Nearly every day
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?
0
1
2
3
Not at all
Several days
More than half the days
Nearly every day
Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much?
0
1
2
3
Not at all
Several days
More than half the days
Nearly every day
Feeling tired or having little energy?
0
1
2
3
Not at all
Several days
More than half the days
Nearly every day
Poor appetite or overeating?
0
1
2
3
Not at all
Several days
More than half the days
Nearly every day
Feeling bad about yourself - or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down?
0
1
2
3
Not at all
Several days
More than half the days
Nearly every day
Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television?
0
1
2
3
Not at all
Several days
More than half the days
Nearly every day
Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed?
Or the opposite - being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual?
0
1
2
3
Not at all
Several days
More than half the days
Nearly every day
Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself in some way?
0
1
2
3
Not at all
Several days
More than half the days
Nearly every day
Total = /27
Results
Depression Severity: 0-4 none, 5-9 mild, 10-14 moderate, 15-19 moderately severe, 20-27 severe.
Remember, this is NOT a diagnosis, but regardless of whether the depression screener indicated "none" or "very severe," we encourage you to talk to your doctor or healthcare professional about what you've been feeling. Depression is a real medical illness. Its nothing to be ashamed of, nor is it a sign of weakness. And treatment for depression is available.
For a suicidal Emergency contact us on 0800 567 567, 24hr Helpline 0800 12 13 14,SMS 31393 (and we will call you back) (SADAG South Africa)