Do you feel tired all the time, sad, disinterested in normally pleasurable activities and spend sleepless nights? Chances are you are depressed and you don't know it. It's not just you. Nearly 350 million people of all ages around the world suffer from depression that affects the quality of routine life. Some of the situations that make you sad include losing your loved ones, becoming sick, losing job and financial problems. If you are not able to cope with sadness in a positive way, you may become depressed. Early detection and treatment helps recover from the condition faster. Take this simple but effective Online Depression Screening Test to check if you suffer from mild or chronic depression.

Read the questions carefully and give an honest response. The 15 test items refer to how you have felt and behaved during the past week. This is an anonymous self-test and is entirely confidential. For each statement indicate whether you agree or disagree by checking the appropriate box next to the statement.

Facts about Depression

Statistics reveal that more women get depressed than men.
Women are more likely to develop depression after giving birth due to the hormonal changes and the additional responsibility of bringing up the newborn baby.
Depression is caused not only by psychological factors but also by genetic and environmental factors.
Depressed people have imbalanced neurotransmitters, which help brain cells (neurons) to communicate with each other.
Illicit use of drugs and alcohol may lead to depression.
Based on the severity level, psychotherapy, medications, vagal nerve stimulation or electroconvulsive therapy will be recommended.

How to deal with depression

Go to movies and parties that make you feel happy.
Get involved in some religious or social activities.
Do exercise and try to be active.
Share your problems and feelings with your loved ones.
Set goals for yourself and work towards it.
Try not to be alone. Be with your trusted friends.
Don't take important decisions of your life when you are depressed.
Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol as they worsen your symptoms.
Consult with your psychologist and co-operate for the treatment with positive thought.
Wait for your condition to improve gradually.

disney_fan30, Bahrain

when i go to public i feel so not comfortable like. i hate talk in public because i think people well say that i'm trying to show off so i just walk and never talk and when somebody tell me something i get so mad and angry

tejas1234, India

sir i am not able to concentrate on my studies.when i start to study my head start paining and its lead to sleep.my sleep is longer than 6 hours..my waist is always in pain.i am not able to pick heavy weight.always i fell tried and less energy to do any work.i can't even stop my sleep in daytime..sir plz help me give some precaution.