Ask people about their image of depression and they may describe someone sitting staring at the wall all day long, hardly moving and feeling sad all the time.   While some people may react like this, others may be quite agitated – full of tension and stress, unable to sit still, even having panic attacks.  Others may go through life putting on a mask – acting as if nothing in the world is the matter.  Yet under the surface, they may feel that they can’t go through this hell for another day.

Some people describe depression as being like a heavy cloud that settles over them.   Winston Churchill, who suffered severe bouts of depression all his life, described it as ‘a black dog’ that followed him everywhere.

You may find that there is some kind of pattern to your depression – maybe you feel worse first thing then pick up as the day goes on.   You may have the opposite pattern.   You may feel better as long as there are friends or family around.   Perhaps the depression clears up for a while and then, for no reason, returns, or you may feel low all the time. To Learn more about what depression is you can read our booklet.

Could depression be a problem for you?

There are many different ways in which depression can show itself. As well As low mood and not enjoying things the way you used to, there can be problems with sleeping, concentrating, appetite or generally feeling bad about yourself.

This short questionnaire will help assess whether low mood or depression is a problem for you at this time. This only provides part of the picture and does not replace the assessment by a healthcare professional.