Self-Assessment Quiz for Depression 

This is an example of how to figure out whether you could have depression. 

If you add up all the columns at the bottom, the total is 19 (3 plus 10 plus 6).

Finding out you have depression, is alot like finding out you have some other kind of new medical condition, like arthritis, diabetes or a heart condition.  You learn about and figure out what you need to do to get back on track, learn how to adjust and live well again with your new health condition.

For everyone living with depression, the basics of taking care of oneself are the foundation: 

• information about what depression is - it's a physical, biologic condition
• being active - physical activity changes the chemicals in the body, improves mood
• paying attention to what we eat - not only is food good for us!  it also helps balance the gut and affects mood and mental health status
• sleep - sleep is when the body readjusts itself. 

The challenge:  we know depression usually affects all these things.  There are tips on how and where to start. 

The short answer is YES , definitely yes.  

• Mild Depression: it may be all that's needed to get back on track .

• Moderate to more intense depression:  more is usually needed to get back on track. 
• Other things to consider:

-learning how to deal with depressed thoughts and feelings throughout the day

-counseling and 

-medications.