Understanding Depression: More Than Just Sadness
We all go through difficult times. Periods of grief, disappointment, or emotional lows are part of the human experience. These feelgers for weeks or months and begins to interfere with your ability to function day to day, it may be more than just sadness—it could be clinical depression. Depression is a real, treatable condition that affects brain chemistry, mood, and behavior. It includes various types, such as major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia. Left unaddressed, depression can impact how you think, feel, and interact with the world around you.
PHQ-9 Self Assessment Questionnaire
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-Depression) is a brief self-assessment tool commonly used to screen for symptoms of depression. It helps you reflect on how you’ve been feeling over the past two weeks and may offer insight into your emotional well-being. Please note that this self-assessment is for personal awareness only and is not a substitute for a clinical diagnosis. If your results raise concerns or if you're struggling, it's important to consult a qualified healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and support.
Reference: Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The PHQ-9: Validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med. 2001;16(9):606-613.
Common Symptoms & Health Concerns
Common Symptoms:
Depression can affect your mind, body, and daily functioning in many ways. Some of the most common signs include:
Difficulty focusing, remembering things, or making decisions
Constant tiredness or feeling drained
Deep feelings of guilt, shame, or a sense of worthlessness
A sense of hopelessness about the future
Losing interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed
Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early
Sleeping much more than usual
Feeling easily annoyed or emotionally reactive
Changes in eating habits, including eating too much or too little
Noticeable changes in appetite or weight
Physical discomforts like headaches, muscle pain, or general aches
Stomach issues or digestive discomfort without a clear cause
Ongoing feelings of sadness, emptiness, or nervousness
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Common Health Concerns:
Depression doesn’t just affect mood—it’s also closely connected to many physical health issues. It can often coexist with or worsen chronic medical conditions such as:
Long-lasting physical pain
Joint inflammation or arthritis
Cardiovascular conditions like heart disease
Blood sugar imbalances or diabetes
Hormonal imbalances related to thyroid health
Effects of stroke or brain injury
Cancer and its treatment impacts
Nervous system disorders like multiple sclerosis
Memory and cognitive decline such as in Alzheimer’s disease
Age-related brain changes like dementia
Movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease
Genetic neurological conditions like Huntington’s disease