Take the following Quiz to see if you might be depressed

• Do you have persistent thoughts of death, dying, or suicide?

• Do you have a plan to end your life?

(If you do, contact your physician or a health care professional immediately.)

• Are you feeling hopeless and worthless, like it's not worth living?

• Are you unable to go to work or keep up with responsibilities that are part of your daily life because you feel bad and don't know why?

• Are activities that you have always found pleasurable, no longer enjoyable?

• Do you feel tired all the time? Do you sleep more than usual or have insomnia?

• Do you feel like eating all the time, especially sweets, or has your appetite decreased significantly?

• Are you having a hard time concentrating? Are you having a hard time remembering simple things like appointments and people's names?

• Do tasks that used to seem simple now seem very difficult?

• Are you avoiding friends and crowds?

• Are you having a very hard time getting over a loss or trauma in your life?

If you answer yes to one or more of the questions, see your physician right away to:

1. determine if there is a physical problem that needs attention; and,

2. to plan an appropriate course of treatment. Your physician can make a referral to other health care professionals as necessary.

If you cannot take this action on your own behalf, get a family member or friend to do it for you.

If you need more information after you have taken this quiz, take the Next Step.

In addition, refer to the self help resources by Mary Ellen Copeland including her books, video tape and audio tape.

next: Crisis Planning