Self-Assessment Checklist

Everyone experiences the symptoms of depression a little differently. In addition to your sadness, or loss of interest, you may experience depression in a variety of ways. Healthcare professionals have identified some common emotional and physical symptoms of depression.

Major Depressive Disorder (Depression) is not just a temporary mood, and it's not a sign of personal weakness. Depression is a serious medical condition with a variety of symptoms. Emotional symptoms can include sadness, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, restlessness, and trouble concentrating or making decisions. Physical symptoms can include fatigue, vague aches and pains, headaches, and changes in weight or sleep patterns. For some, depression can include thoughts of death or suicide.

Fill out the checklist below, then print your results. Use your answers to help you talk to your doctor about how you are feeling. Only your doctor or healthcare professional can make a proper diagnosis.

This checklist was developed by the University of Michigan Depression Center.

Depression Checklist

Check all boxes that apply to you.

I'm often restless and irritable.

I don't enjoy hobbies, leisure activities or time with friends and family anymore.

I'm having trouble managing my diabetes, hypertension or other chronic illness.

I have nagging aches and pains that don't get better, no matter what I do.

My sleep patterns are irregular:

I'm sleeping too much.

I'm not sleeping enough.

I often have:

Digestive problems

Headaches or backaches

Vague aches and pains (eg, joint or muscle pains)

Chest pains

Dizziness

I have trouble concentrating or making simple decisions.

People have commented on my mood or attitude lately.

My weight has changed considerably.

I feel that my functioning in everyday life (work and my interactions with family and friends) is suffering because of these problems.

I've had several of the symptoms I checked above for more than two weeks.

I have a family history of depression.

I've thought about suicide.

A note about suicidal thoughts

Thoughts about death or suicide are common in depression, and it's important to take such thoughts seriously. If you feel like giving up or as if you might hurt yourself, get help immediately:

Call your doctor
Go to the emergency room
Call 911
Call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline, 1-800-SUICIDE [1-800-784-2433]