Home > Kids > Children's General Health > Mental Health > Understanding Depression
|

Understanding Depression

Are You Depressed?

Think Twice

Don't make the mistake of assuming that you should be able to cure depression by yourself. It takes someone very strong to admit he or she needs help.

Recognizing depression early can prevent needless suffering. Depression is curable most of the time. If you think you might be depressed, answer “yes” or “no” to the following questions:

  1. Do you frequently feel unhappy or down in the dumps?

  2. Are you uninterested in most of your usual activities?

  3. Has your appetite either increased or decreased significantly?

  4. Has your sleep been disturbed and/or have you been unable to get out of bed in the morning?

  5. Do you feel fatigued or low on energy most days?

  6. Do you feel worthless or guilty most days?

  7. Do you have trouble concentrating?

  8. Do you have thoughts about wishing you were dead or killing yourself?

If you answered “yes” to three or more of the questions, you might be depressed. Make an appointment right away to be evaluated by your primary care doctor or a psychiatrist.



|

Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Marriage © 2001 by Hilary Rich and Helaina Laks Kravitz, M.D. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

To order this book visit the Idiot's Guide web site or call 1-800-253-6476.


stay connected

Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and information on all things parenting.

Enter your email address to sign up or manage your account.

Facebook icon Twitter icon Follow Us on Pinterest

editor’s picks

highlights

Top 10 End-of-Year Teacher Gifts
School is in the final stretch! Find unique and sweet teacher appreciation gifts to help say thanks and farewell to your favorite educator at the end of the school year.

10 Most Common Pregnancy Cravings Decoded
Sweet, salty, sour, spicy — cravings during pregnancy can run the gamut. Read on to find out what foods pregnant women crave the most and why.

Safest Sunscreens for Kids
Wondering what the best sunscreens are to use on your child? Check out these natural sunscreens for kids. They're chemical-free and will keep your child safe from the sun’s harmful rays.

Are Your Kids Sick of Sandwiches for Lunch?
By this point in the school year, your kids are probably tired of the same old sandwiches. Find some new and different school lunch ideas that will help fuel your child through June.