[Anonymous]

I don't know why I'm making a thread about this, I just want some opinions.

I've been feeling really **** recently, crying almost every night. I just did this test for depression.

The scale they use is as follows:
0 - 9 Depression unlikely
10 - 17 Possibly minor depression
18 - 21 On the verge of depression
21 - 35 Minor to moderate depression
36 - 53 Moderate to severe depression
54+ Severe depression

I came up with a score of 60.

I don't feel like myself. Other people have noticed. I've been hurting myself. I feel like no-one cares about me.

Call me a typical teenager or emo if you want, but I'm really getting worried.

Does anyone have any advice on how to deal with this? I don't want to go to a doctor.

[Thud]

A doctor really is the best option. Are you at school/uni? They usually have counsellors you can see if you're that against talking to a doctor.

There's also the depression society on tsr if you're looking for online support and people going through similar things.

[Anonymous]

Oh joy, I just told my boyfriend and he called me attention-seeking.

[notsam]

I just got 74. LOL.

[common_person]

Take these tests with a massive pinch of salt. I don't really credit them with doing much more than adding to paranoia. This is much more helpful. If you relate to a lot of stuff in there, just go have a chat with your doctor, see what he thinks. It's not the end of the world. Also show it to your boyfriend, might make him understand a bit better, but don't push it, just let him get used to the idea. And don't jump to conclusions. Whatever, you're going to be fine.

[k8ht67`]

i scored 46 and i feel good as can be and my life is amazing as it goes

[QuantumTheory]

Then go to see your doctor, they're not as scary as you think, and with this sort of stuff, the quicker it's sorted, the better, tbh.
Best wishes,

Jess

[PlanetTea]

Originally Posted by common_person

Take these tests with a massive pinch of salt.

I completely agree. I think it's ridiculous to try and rate depression depending on a flaming quiz. I'd ignore that and use common_person's suggestion. Good luck

[shamrock92]

I got "moderate to severe" lol. And I'm not depressed. Scale fail.

[BananasNmangoes]

Write your feelings down, especially what you feel the root causes may be. Write like no-one else is going to read them.

Do things that make you happy.

Exercise- releases endorphins

Think of those worse off than you in life <<< (what i do)


If all else fails, talk to a counsellor maybe?

[tom_tom_tom]

I wouldnt base everything on this test as i am sure it isnt a perfect measure, but as it is for sure an indication that you need some help, go to the doctors as soon as you can and get this sorted, they are there to help and will do all they can in their power and resources to try and get you back to yourself again.

[NJA]

The statistics show the depression in the United States continues to surpass its all-time highs, we have had increases in diagnosed depression nearly every year for two decades in a row now and there is no end in site. In fact one study showed a 12% of the American population is taking Prozac. (Source: Ezine)

Similarly I am told there were 31 million prescriptions for depression last year in the UK, compared to:-
1971: 7 million
1981: 8 million
1991: 9 million
2001: 27 million

Have we forgotten the old remedies?
In the 1970s you may have been told "your father fought in the war or worked down the coal mine so snap out of it".
Did people just turn to alcohol more ?
Do doctors more readily prescribe the pills now whereas in "the good old days" it would just be "join a rambling club" ?
Or, has society changed so that there is actually more depression ?

Or a combination of all ??

- there is certainly more information flow and the more you hear about depression, the more you might tell yourself you have it, and then self-induce it to some extent. Western drug industries like to drill it into people's minds that they need pills and are therefore more likely to diagnose someone with depression, rather than get down to the root causes of their unwellnesses.