Depression like a rainy foggy day seems thick,
hard to get through and hopeless.

Life has ups and downs and we all feel low at times.
Depression, however, takes us lower and can debilitate us
and others if not addressed.

Depression affects about 1 in 4 adults in their lifetime.
Everyone, will at some time in their life be affected by depression — their own or someone else’s.

Often it is the ‘happy people’ who find it hardest to tell others that they are feeling depressed.

Take your feelings and behaviour seriously.

Notice how you have been feeling over the past month.

Rate yourself on the following scale for each statement:

0 (Happy)__1__2__3__4__5__6__7__8__9__10 (Very Depressed)

1. I have felt terribly alone and isolated.

2. I have felt totally lacking in energy & enthusiasm.

3. I have felt able to cope when things go wrong.

4. I have thought of hurting myself.

5. Tension & anxiety have prevented me doing important things.

6. I have felt like crying.

7. I have had difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep.

8. I have made plans to end my life.

9. Unwanted images or memories have been distressing me.

10. I have thought I am to blame for my problems and difficulties.

If on the above scale you are at 6 or more in 2 categories may I recomment that it is very wise to speak to someone about your situation.  Speak to your GP, get counselling help, and tell someone in your family and/or a friend if you can.

This scale is only a summary of a longer scale. Your scores can be inticators of depression and your GP can give you a more definitive test and medication if needed. Research says that talk therapy is best and medication should be used with talk therapy.

http://www.depressionstatistics.org/
Samaritans Tel 0845 790 9090 for 24/7 phone line for support when you are at your lowest.