Depression Risk Assessment

Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from depression. More women than men suffer from this health condition. Major depression is an illness that affects a person's body, feelings, thoughts, and behavior.

Certain things can trigger an episode of depression. They include a stressful life event, genetics, physical illness, medications, substance abuse, or hormone levels. Any one of these factors, or a combination of them, can make depression more likely. The following questionnaire can help you assess your risk for depression.

1. In the last year have you thought seriously about killing yourself? Yes No

2. Have any of these stressful events happened to you during the last 12 months? (Check all that apply.) Loss of a spouse, family member, or loved one Divorce Loss of a job A serious illness or surgery A serious financial downfall None

3. Have you been in trouble with the law in the last 12 months? Yes No

4. Has someone close to you recently committed suicide? Yes No

5. Has anyone in your family (parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, or uncles) had any of the following conditions? (Check all that apply.) Alcoholism in any first-degree family member(s) (mother, father, brother, sister) Bipolar disorder Depression Suicide (attempted or committed) None

6. Do you have or have you ever had any of these conditions? (Check all that apply.) Heart attack (myocardial infarction). Alcoholism Type 2 diabetes Type 1 diabetes Kidney disease HIV positive or HIV infection Anorexia nervosa Bulimia binge/purge Hepatitis C Multiple sclerosis Suicide attempt Bipolar disorder Depression Cancer None

Your Results

You have told us that there are no major risk factors in your current lifestyle and circumstances that would put you at risk of developing depression.

If you are concerned that you may be depressed, talk with your healthcare provider or a trained mental health professional.

You have told us that you have significant risk factors in your current lifestyle and circumstances that put you at higher risk of developing depression.

Having symptoms of depression does not necessarily mean you are depressed. Other conditions or illnesses can cause similar symptoms. It does mean that you should talk with your healthcare provider or a trained mental health professional who can diagnose your condition.

The answers you have given us show you are at risk for suicide.

If you have not already done so, talk with your healthcare provider, a family member, someone at a mental health clinic, or other supportive person as soon as you can. Find out where you can get help. Don't ignore this!

If you are thinking of harming yourself now, and have a plan and a means to do it, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). It is open 24 hours a day, every day. They speak English and Spanish. Or visit the lifeline’s website at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. This resource gives you crisis intervention right away. It also offers information on local resources. It is free and confidential.

Put emergency phone numbers in your phone or keep them in your wallet or purse. These include a trusted friend or relative, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and your counselor or healthcare provider.

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional health care. Always talk with a healthcare provider for advice about your health. Only your healthcare provider can diagnose depression.

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