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HELP YOURSELF—Take the Self-Test
Do You Have Depression?
Which of these common symptoms apply to you?
- Have you ever experienced a period of sadness lasting 2 weeks or more?
- Are you easily irritated or upset?
- Do you often feel bored, or have no energy or interest even in things you once loved?
- Do you have difficulty remembering things, or concentrating?
- Are you disorganized, getting homework and project due dates mixed up?
- Do you have difficulty sleeping: falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up?
- Do you have frequent nightmares and bad dreams?
- Have you been eating too much or too little?
- Do you think no one likes you, or everyone picks on you?
- Do you feel like you want to be left alone?
- Are you worried that you will make a mistake or look foolish?
- Do you think that you really are no good?
- Have you thought about wanting to die, to go to sleep and not wake up?*
*IMPORTANT: If you answered yes to this last question, get help now. If you are feeling too bad to get help on your own, ask a friend, your parents, a teacher, or some other trusted adult to help you get help.
If you answered "yes" to 3 or more questions:
...and you have felt this way very strongly or for two weeks straight or longer, it's a good idea to talk to someone about how you feel. (For suggestions, see below.)
If you answered "yes" to less than 3 questions:
Everyone has bad days now and then, feels miserable, left out, loses their appetite or overeats occasionally. No cause for worry as long as you snap out of it fairly quickly. Pay attention to your feelings, though. A negative situation could make you vulnerable for depression—in which case, you need to talk to someone you can trust. (For suggestions, see below.)
Who to Talk To
If you think you might be depressed, any of these grown-ups can help:
- Your mom or dad
- A close relative, like your grandparent, aunt or uncle
- Your school counselor
- Your youth group leader
- A priest or minister
- Your doctor
What to Say
"I took a test and these were the things I feel . . . . Do you think I need to see a doctor about depression? Can you help me?"
If you think your friend might be depressed, ask your friend to take the self test, then take your friend to an adult who can help, such as:
- A parent
- A school counselor
- A teacher
- A youth group leader
- A close friend or relative
What to Say
"My friend feels bad. S/he took a test and these were the things he/she feels . . . . Do you think my friend has depression and needs to see a doctor? Can you help us?"
If you or someone you know is depressed—get help right away. Don't wait! Depending on how dangerous you feel the situation is—
- Call 911 for immediate help.
- Call 1-800 SUICIDE for an emergency facility near you.
- Go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
- Contact your school's social work department.
Click here for more including Facts about Depression, How to Make it through a Day, and Guide to Self Care.
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