Wondering if you have depression, or are just a bit down?
Everyone goes through periods of life where they are not at their happiest, but how can we tell if our feelings are just normal sadness, as opposed to depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that's characterised by a persistent low mood, sadness, and feelings of disinterest. It can be mild or severe, and can last for short periods of time or be ongoing for many years. It can look different in different people and have symptoms that vary in type and intensity. What all types of depression or depressive episodes have in common, though, is symptoms that affect our ability to function in daily life.
This depression self test is a handy tool to help you gain more insight into whether you may have depression. The tool can not diagnose depression - only a mental health professional such as a psychologist, GP, or psychiatrist can diagnose depression.
But this tool can give you an indication of whether or not you might benefit from seeking professional help.
Take this online depression test.
If you decide you would like some professional help, these New Zealand based organisations can help: