Are You Depressed?

Here is a test to measure depression. It was formulated by Dr. Aaron Beck in 1960. Since then it has become popular and widely used in measuring depression in clinical and research settings.

Burns Depression Checklist

By: Dr. Aaron Beck (BDI) 1960-Measuring Depression in Clinical and Research Settings

	0 Not at all	1 Somewhat	2 Moderate	3 A lot	4 Extreme
THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS
1. Feeling sad or down in the dumps, unhappy or blue
2. Crying spells or tearfulness
3. Feeling discouraged or hopeless
4. Low self-esteem
5. Feeling worthless or inadequate
6. Guilt or shame
7. Criticizing yourself or blaming yourself
8. Difficulty making decisions
ACTIVITIES AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
9. Lost of interest in family and friends or colleagues
10. Loneliness
12. Spending less time with family or friends
13. Less motivation
14. Loss of interest in work or activities
15. Avoid work or other activities
16. Loss of pleasure or satisfaction in life
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
17. Feeling tired
18. Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
19. Decreased or increased appetite
20. Loss of interest in sex
21. Worrying about your health
22. Do you have any suicidal thoughts?
23. Would you like to end your life?
24. Do you plan of harming your life?
TOTAL

Interpretation Score

0 - 5	No depression
6 - 10	Normal but unhappy
11 - 25	Mild depression
26 - 50	Moderate depression
51 - 75	Severe depression
76 - 100	Extreme depression

The truth is money problems is the number one cause of depression. Basic needs like food, clothing and housing are essential in life. If you don’t have the financial stability to sustain these, you end up having a disturbed mind.

Though some say matters of the heart is the worst and the longest to heal but every person has different stress causation, reaction, and brain chemistry. Treatment options such as taking medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes are ways that can help one's needs.

The question is how do you treat depression? 

Keeping an open mind and having positive attitude helps in managing stress. Exercise makes you not only physically fit but mentally too as your body releases endorphins and serotonin while you exert motions. Eating healthy foods gives you the nutrients that your body needs. Furthermore, talking to family and friends is a good way in venting your worries. Emotional support eases your anxiety and makes you feel appreciated.