You may have been feeling a little down lately and are now
wondering if it’s something more than just being sad. A depression test, or screening,
can help determine whether your symptoms indicate a more serious mental health
issue.

A Serious Mood Disorder

Depression can affect every aspect of your daily life. A serious
mood disorder,
it can impact how you think and feel as well as how you sleep, eat, or work. When
you are suffering from depression, you can struggle with daily activities and
have other symptoms, depending on the type of depression you have.

The different types of depression include:

• Persistent depressive disorder – a depressed
  mood that lasts for more than two years. If you are diagnosed with this form of
  depression, you typically have episodes of major depression that may be interspersed
  by periods of less severe symptoms.
• Psychotic depression – severe depression that is
  accompanied by some form of psychosis. You may experience delusions or
  hallucinations, for example. Your symptoms will usually have a depressive
  theme, such as having delusions of poverty, illness, or guilt.
• Seasonal affective disorder – depression that
  usually occurs during the winter months. Typically, if you are diagnosed with
  this type of depression, your mood will lift somewhat during the spring and
  summer months when there is more natural sunlight. However, the depression will
  then return when the amount of daylight is reduced in the late fall and winter.
• Postpartum depression – a depression that women
  experience after giving birth. More serious than “baby blues,” postpartum
  depression can occur during pregnancy and after delivery. A woman can
  experience extreme exhaustion, anxiety, and sadness, making it difficult for
  her to take care of herself and her baby.

Symptoms of Depression

A depression test will help you understand the symptoms you’ve
been experiencing. If you have experienced any of these signs or symptoms for
most of each day, almost every day, for the past two weeks or more, you may be suffering
from depression:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and
  activities
• Irritability
• Moving or talking more slowly
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making
  decisions
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or
  helplessness
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or
  oversleeping
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive
  problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with
  treatment
• Appetite and/or weight changes
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide
  attempts

If you are thinking about or have attempted suicide, or if
you are thinking about hurting yourself, regardless of the reason, it is very
important that you reach out for help immediately. You can call 911 or go to
your local emergency room, or call your healthcare provider or mental health
provider. You can also call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-TALK
(1-800-273-8255).

Depression Test

When you recognize these symptoms, it may be time for a screening
for depression. A depression test can mean the difference in your mental health
going forward. Knowing the cause behind your mood disorder is important so you
can get the treatment you need. You can contact your healthcare professional or
mental health provider to discuss the screening and to participate in the test.

As part of the depression test, your healthcare provider may
also give you a complete physical exam, including a blood test, to rule out any
medical reasons for your depression. For example, if you have anemia or a
thyroid disease, you might experience depression as a symptom of that condition.

The depression test itself will consist of a serious of
detailed questions about your feelings and behaviors. It is critical for you to
answer these questions honestly. Your mental health provider will use this test
to ensure you are receiving the appropriate level of care for your mood disorder.

California Faith-Based Mental Health and Addiction
Treatment

Celebrate Hope is here for you when you need help with
mental health issues, particularly when they co-occur with addiction. Please contact Celebrate
Hope to learn more about our faith-based dual diagnosis treatment program. Our
team helps men and women address the vicious cycle of mental illness and
addiction so they can begin life anew. We rely on the teachings of Jesus
Christ, along with evidence-based therapies to get individuals on the path of
recovery.