1. Have you been feeling down, blue, or unhappy most of the time for at least two weeks?
Depression can cause a person to feel sad, hopeless, and worthless for an extended period of time.
2. Have you lost interest in activities you once enjoyed?
When someone is suffering from depression, they may lose interest in activities that used to bring them happiness. This may include hobbies, social activities, or work.
3. Are you having trouble sleeping, or are you sleeping too much?
Depression can cause insomnia or hypersomnia. People with depression may have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired.
4. Do you feel tired all the time?
As mentioned before, depression can cause fatigue and make it difficult to get through the day.
5. Do your muscles feel tense or sore?
Depression can manifest physically as well as emotionally. Some people experience muscle tension and pain when they are depressed.
6. Do you have a poor appetite, or are you eating more than usual?
Depression can often lead to changes in eating habits. A person with depression may lose their appetite or eat more than usual.
7. Is your weight fluctuating noticeably?
A person with depression may experience fluctuations in their weight due to changes in their eating habits.
8. Are you experiencing problems with concentration, focus, or memory?
Depression can make it difficult for a person to focus on tasks and remember things. This is due to the fact that depression causes changes in brain chemistry that affect cognitive function.
9. Do you feel excessively guilty or worthless?
People with depression often feel guilty and unworthy of happiness and joy. They may feel like they do not deserve good things in life.
10. Are thoughts of death or suicide popping into your head more often than usual?
If someone is having suicidal thoughts, it is important to get help immediately. These thoughts can become overwhelming and lead to dangerous actions if they are not addressed.