1. Do you often feel depressed or down?

One of the core symptoms of depression is a persistent low mood. This mood is not just a short-term sadness, but a long-term feeling of depression that can be felt for most of the day. If you find yourself feeling hopeless, hopeless, or empty inside, it may be a sign of depression.

2. Have you lost interest in activities that you once enjoyed?

Depression often causes a person to lose interest in activities that were previously interesting to them. For example, if you used to enjoy sports, socializing, or a hobby, but now have no interest in them, this may be a sign of depression. Medically, this phenomenon is called "anhedonia" and is a common symptom of depression.

3. Do you often feel tired or lack energy?

People with depression often feel unusually tired even when they are not doing heavy physical work. Prolonged fatigue, whether physical or mental, can affect work and daily life. Depression can cause a person to feel unable to rejuvenate, even to do the most basic things.

4. Do you have sleep problems, such as insomnia or excessive sleepiness?

Depression can seriously affect sleep patterns. Some people may be kept awake at night by excessive thinking or anxiety, while others may feel unable to sleep or oversleep. This imbalance can worsen symptoms of depression and make it more difficult for individuals to cope with daily challenges.

5. Do you feel worthless or guilty?

Depression often causes individuals to have strong feelings of self-blame or worthlessness. People may feel that they have nothing to contribute to others or society, or blame themselves excessively for past mistakes, even when there is no actual reason.

6. Do you often feel anxious or irritable?

Depression is more than just low mood. It can also cause severe anxiety. People may feel extremely restless, irritable, and anxious about even the smallest everyday things.

7. Have you experienced weight changes (gain or loss)?

Depression can also affect appetite, which can lead to significant changes in weight. Some people may eat less because they have no appetite, resulting in weight loss, while others may cope with their emotions by overeating, resulting in weight gain.

8. Have you ever had suicidal thoughts or behaviors that harm yourself?

This is a very serious symptom of depression. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harming behavior, you should seek professional help immediately. Depression can make an individual feel that life is unbearable and increase the risk of suicide, so timely intervention is crucial.

9. Do you have difficulty concentrating or making decisions?

Depression can also affect a person's thought process. Individuals may find it difficult to concentrate or have difficulty making decisions. Even simple daily tasks may become extremely difficult due to the inability to concentrate.

If you find that you have answered "yes" to more than one of these questions, or someone you know has similar symptoms, it is particularly important to seek professional help. While self-tests can help you get a preliminary understanding of your mental state, the final diagnosis should be made by a professional doctor or mental health professional. Depression is treatable, and with psychotherapy, medication, and support systems, many people are able to return to normal life. If you or someone close to you is experiencing these symptoms, please do not hesitate to seek help from a doctor or psychotherapist in a timely manner.