What is Depression?

The most characteristic feeling or emotion in depression is the intense and continuous sadness. This mood seems endless and it prevents the person from his/her normal functioning, interfering considerably in his/her quality of life.

Together with sadness, feelings of emptiness, dejection, and unhappiness are also common. The person feels as if he/she has lost the ability to feel or be happy. Sometimes, there are feelings of irritability, of being very sensitive (anything that may happen affects the person), and showing reactions of sharpness, or crying.

The person also experiences lack of motivation or will to do even the simplest tasks. They can feel that they have lost interest in things that use to please them. The person may even believe that is unable to do them.

The person suffering from depression has characteristic thoughts of uselessness and/or guilt (for instance, "I'm a failure", "I'm useless", "I'm a nuisance to everyone", etc.). These thoughts take place most part of the day and are very difficult to control them. Sometimes, thoughts about death may appear. These thoughts vary from the conviction that "the others would be better if I did not exist", to "my life is senseless, I have to do something to end this suffering". There are thoughts referring to the very fact to end with one's own life, planning the way to do it, and even attempting it.

Other symptoms present in depression are sleep disturbances. These range from waking in the middle of the night and having trouble to get back asleep, wake up to early and do not get asleep again, to been unable to get asleep at the beginning of the night. It might be the case that the person complains to feel to sleepy and that he/she sleeps too much.

Wariness, tiredness, and lack of energy are also common. Even the minor work seems to require a great effort. Appetite and weight could also be altered.

Motor symptoms may also appear, from agitation where the person finds difficult even to remain seated) to retardation (low voice volume, slow body movements, etc.).

Many people refer to have difficulties thinking, concentrating, or taking decisions.

It might be that while reading this site you identify yourself with the descriptions of the problem provided above. The Test questions inquire about the presence of some of its features. Although they do not substitute the assessment process necessary to establish a clinical diagnosis, they might be considered as a first approach and a preliminary screening of the problem.

If you also experience a significant distress, or any area of your daily life (leisure, work, school, family, etc.) has been affected by this problem, you might be suffering from depression. However, remember: this is just a first approach to the assessment process needed before starting any treatment. If you think you might have this problem, seek professional advice so you can decide whether you want or not to receive treatment.