Depression Evaluation

Do you currently or have you recently suffered from any of

the following?

• Sad or Empty Mood

• Loss of Pleasure in Activities You Normally Enjoy

• Weight Loss or Weight Gain, Diminished or Increased Appetite

• Sleep Difficulties, Too Much or Too Little Sleep

• Feelings of Restlessness or Being Slowed Down

• Fatigue or Loss of Energy

• Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt

• Indecisiveness or Diminished Ability to Think or Concentrate

• Recurrent Thoughts of Death or Suicide

If you answered Yes to five or more of the above, you may very likely be suffering from

depression.

Is your life these days more than you can handle? You are not alone.

• Depression is the most commonly treated mental health issue after anxiety

• 1 in 6 Americans will experience clinical depression at some point in his or her life

• Yet 80% of depressed individuals are not receiving treatment,

and likely don’t even realize they are

depressed. Depressed individuals commonly report a general lack of energy or

motivation, along with significant changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns. Pervasive

feelings of sadness and guilt are often experienced, sometimes accompanied by sudden

fits of crying or irritability. The libido is often affected by an episode of depression,

temporarily diminishing the individual’s desire and even ability to have sex.

Activities the individual has usually enjoyed, such as hobbies or other special interests, are

experienced as somewhat flat and less fulfilling while depressed. Not all these symptoms are

necessarily experienced by a depressed person, nor do they necessarily interfere with that

individual’s daily life dramatically. Many individuals may experience a somewhat chronic sense

of boredom, dullness, or low energy without even realizing they are likely suffering from some

form of depression.

There is often a neurochemical (brain chemistry) component to clinical depression. Cognitive-

behavioral theory (CBT) is often used to help the individual reprogram unwanted thinking,

feeling, and doing habits. CBT provides clear, structured action steps to help the client move past

old depressive patterns.

Psychoanalytic theory is also useful in working through depression, as this process encourages

clients to understand better-unresolved family issues that may be contributing to negative

thoughts and feelings.

Anxiety and panic are closely linked to

depression and may be experienced alongside depressive symptoms.