AM I DEPRESSED? (QUIZ)

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Am I Depressed? What Is The Purpose of this Quiz?

Have you felt down, hopeless, and without any real enthusiasm for life for some time now? Do you wonder if you have depression, but don’t know where to start finding out the answer? This “Am I Depressed?” quiz helps people explore their mental health by answering a few questions.

This quiz cannot provide an official diagnosis, but it can be discussed with your physician or a mental health counselor. This allows a discussion to take place that leads to deciding whether you deal with depression or not.

Is This Depression Quiz Accurate?

While the quiz asks pertinent questions about a person’s symptoms, it cannot be considered a way to officially diagnose them. The results depend on how honestly the individual answers the questions. Once the test is done, the answers should be discussed with a mental health professional to determine what they mean.

The Depression Epidemic

Depression is often referred to as a silent epidemic because so many people who have it do not speak up and discuss it with family, friends, or their doctors. The further down the rabbit hole a person goes with their depression, the more difficult it feels to start climbing out of it.

8.3% of U.S. Adults Had a Major Depressive Episode in 2021

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), in 2021, “An estimated 21.0 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 8.3% of all U.S. adults.”

These days, when the national and world climates can feel so challenging, it often contributes to a person feeling exhausted and hopeless. This is particularly true coming on the heels of a worldwide pandemic that caused a rise in the number of people with depression. The disorder can also cause people to abuse drugs or alcohol in an attempt to reduce or cover up their symptoms.

Depression and the PHQ-9

The Patient Healthcare Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) is a form used by many mental health professionals and physicians to help determine if a patient may be depressed. It’s a self-test that includes nine questions that can be answered with a score of zero to three. It includes questions about topics like sleep schedules, energy levels, and emotions. 

How Common is Depression?

A study showed that from August 2021 to August 2023, about 13.1% of adolescents and adults aged 12 and older reported experiencing depression in the previous two weeks. A Gallup Poll revealed that 29% of American adults reported they had been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives. This is a drastic increase of about 10 percentage points from 2015. 

What are the Types of Depression?

Many people are surprised to learn that there are different kinds of depression and mood disorders. These include:

• Major Depressive Disorder
• Dysthymic Disorder
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Postpartum Depression
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Why Should Depression Be Taken Seriously?

Depression is not a minor disorder with no real consequences. People with depression live lives drenched with sadness, crying, and no hope. They can also reach the point where suicide becomes an option. The faster someone begins treatment, the less suffering they will experience.

How Does This Am I Depressed Quiz Work?

When a person takes the “Am I Depressed?” quiz, they should be in a quiet space where they can concentrate without interruptions. They should answer each question honestly so they reflect their past and current emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. 

How Is Depression Treated?

When someone enters treatment for depression, they have options for the levels of care that will meet their needs. An inpatient program provides a safe and warm environment for them to live while receiving life-changing care around the clock. Outpatient treatment, such as a Partial Hospitalization Program, an Intensive Outpatient Program, and an Outpatient Program, do not require a person to move into a facility. They travel to their therapy sessions and return home when done.

Treatment includes traditional talk therapy, holistic therapy, and psychiatric medications that help ease depression symptoms.