Do I Have Depression?


Everyone feels down or unmotivated from time to time, but sometimes these feelings are more serious than a passing mood. When self-doubt, anger, or negativity have lasting effects on a person’s health and life, they could have depression. Everybody experiences depression differently, which makes it difficult to identify. Some people lose their ability to focus, and their work suffers. Others have persistent thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Regardless of how it affects you, depression is a serious, and very real, condition.

Experts aren’t entirely sure what causes depression, though there are many theories. People with depression tend to have observable physical changes in their brains, usually involving how neurotransmitters function and interact with other important systems. Changes in hormones may also play a role. If someone in your family has depression, you’re more likely to develop it, as well.

If you think that you may have depression, take this quiz and answer as honestly as you can. Remember, this is not an appropriate substitute for a proper diagnosis from a mental health professional. Depression can worsen without treatment. If you believe that you have this or any other mental health condition, please visit a professional who can provide care.


Quiz WriterPeg


Did you know?

Depression is Incredibly Common

Despite what many people believe, depression is extremely common across all age groups and most ethnicities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe that around 8% of adults over 20 experienced depression in any two weeks between 2013 and 2016. Statistics suggest females are almost twice as likely as males to develop depression, though this could have to do with seeking a diagnosis. Additionally, age doesn’t seem to play a major role in the development of depression.

People at lower income levels are also more likely to have the condition, and it affects around 16% of adults from families who live below the federal poverty level. As income increases, the percentage drops. Males with family incomes at or above 400% of the federal poverty level have the lowest prevalence of depression. Though the population rose significantly between 2007 and 2016, the percentage of people with depression stayed about the same, which may indicate the condition is on the rise or simply that people feel more comfortable seeking a diagnosis as the stigma decreases.

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