Are You Depressed? How to Get Tested for Depression.

Depression is a common illness that can seriously affect a person’s functioning and quality of life. In 2017 alone, 264 million people worldwide were suffering from depression.

Are you feeling depressed? How does a person get tested?

Signs of Depression

A few types of diagnosis could be made when it comes to depression. This depends on which criteria does the person fulfill. When a person feels depressed, it could be a longer-term, more diffused feeling. Or, a person could feel intense episodes of depressed mood and lack of interest. Sometimes, using a substance may also trigger feelings of depression.

While we do at times feel sad (which is completely healthy), depression is instead a condition that affects how you can effectively function in daily life.

You may consider making a consultation with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist if:

• You are in a depressed mood for most of the day. This continues on for a prolonged period of time (weeks, months).
• You notice that you lack the interest or motivation in performing daily tasks, or doing the things that you enjoy.
• There has been significant changes to your sleep and food intake. You may be sleeping too little, or too much. There may be drastic weight loss or gain.
• You notice yourself having difficulties concentrating or making decisions. You may feel agitated and restless.
• There seems to be feelings of fatigue everyday, like you don’t have the energy.
• You oftentimes feel worthless, lacking in confidence, and/ or guilty.
• There may be suicidal thoughts, or thoughts of harming yourself.

Scheduling an appointment to be tested or assessed by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can lead to a conclusive diagnosis. This will provide insight into how the matter can be effectively treated.

I Am Depressed. What Can I Do About It?

There are a few effective ways to which depression can be treated. Among them are:

• Pharmacotherapy: treatment via medication, as prescribed by a psychiatrist.
• Psychotherapy/ counseling: treatment through psychological consultations, to which the psychologist/ counselor works with the clients through his/ her personal issues.

Among the methods in psychotherapy/ counseling that shows effectiveness in treating depression are Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Interpersonal Therapy (IPT).

Studies have shown that either pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy is effective in treating mild to severe depression. A combination of both therapies has shown to produce the most promising results.

Which therapy a person chooses to undergo remains a personal choice. Please consult a mental health professional to learn and understand which treatment options suits you best.