ARE YOU DEPRESSED?

A Self-Test *

1. I feel downhearted, blue and sad. Yes ____ No ___

2. I don’t enjoy the things that I used to do. Yes ____ No ___

3. I feel others would be better off if I were dead. Yes ____ No ____

4. I feel that I am not useful or needed. Yes ____ No ____

5. I notice that I am losing weight. Yes ____ No ____

6. I have trouble sleeping through the night. Yes ____ No ____

7. I am restless and can’t keep still. Yes ____ No ____

8. My mind isn’t as clear as it used to be. Yes ____ No ____

9. I get tired for no reason. Yes ____ No ____

10. I feel hopeless about the future. Yes ____ No ____

  • If you answered "Yes" to at least five questions, and you answered "Yes" to Question 1 or Question 2, AND these symptoms have persisted for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from serious depression.
  • If you answered "Yes" to Question 3—regardless of how you answered the other questions—you should seek help immediately.
  • If you suspect a loved one is depressed, give this questionnaire to him or her.

* This self-test screening tool was adapted from the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale,

© William W.K. Zung, 1965, 1974, and was published in Parade magazine on 9/26/93.