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Of the millions of Americans struggling with depression, the vast majority will not get the help they need. This can be true for several reasons. Depression treatments can be expensive and hard to access for those without insurance or other resources. Additionally, many people are too embarrassed or ashamed to seek help from a doctor or therapist. This may create a vicious cycle of loneliness, hopelessness, and isolation that makes it even harder to find the courage to reach out for assistance.
One of the most common reasons people fail to get professional treatment for depression is that they are mis-or undiagnosed. The PHQ-9 Depression Questionnaire is an initial understanding and starting point to determine if your or a loved one’s behavior aligns with the criteria for a depression diagnosis. Learn more about depression treatment with Harmony Hills’ depression treatment program.
Does My Loved One Have Depression? – PHQ-9 Depression Quiz
If you suspect that your loved one is showing signs of depression, use this free quiz as a starting point for further investigation. Please fill this out for you or a loved one.
This online screening is not a diagnostic tool. Only a trained medical professional, like a doctor or mental health professional, can help determine a diagnosis.
What Is Depression?
Depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder, is a common but severe mental health disorder. It leads to a range of emotional and physical problems that can significantly impair a person’s ability to function in their daily life. What characterizes depression is not just feeling down or having a bad day but a persistent feeling of sadness or a lack of interest in outside stimuli.
Getting Tested for a Depression Diagnosis
Understanding the importance of getting tested for depression is a crucial step toward improving mental health. The process of diagnosing depression involves a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a qualified healthcare professional who compassionately considers both physical and psychological factors. The following list provides an overview of how depression is typically tested for and diagnosed:
- Initial consultation – This usually involves a detailed discussion of symptoms, including their duration and impact on daily life.
- Physical examination – A healthcare provider may conduct a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing depressive symptoms.
- Psychiatric evaluation – A mental health professional may assess mental status, emotional health, and personal history to understand more about the individual’s condition.
- Questionnaires and surveys – Standardized questionnaires like the PHQ-9 or Beck Depression Inventory may be used to gauge the severity of depressive symptoms.
- Diagnostic criteria – The healthcare professional may use established criteria from the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) to determine if the symptoms meet the threshold for a depression diagnosis.
Remember, seeking a diagnosis is a brave and crucial step toward healing, and it opens the door to effective treatment options that can greatly improve quality of life.
Getting Help for Depression with Harmony Hills
Once you’ve taken the PHQ-9 Depression Screening, look at your results. If it appears that you may be experiencing depression, consider talking to a healthcare provider about treatment options for depression. Even if you don’t think you are suffering from depression, the PHQ-9 can still be useful in helping to track the severity of your symptoms over time.
Harmony Hills provides comprehensive depression treatment programs to help treat individuals with depression and other mental health disorders. We understand the importance of clinical and holistic recovery approaches, and our team is dedicated to helping you find a path to lasting mental wellness.
With the right help, it’s possible to manage symptoms of depression and live a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling again. Be sure to seek professional advice if you or your loved ones are struggling with depression. Asking for help is never a sign of weakness; it is one of the bravest things you can do.
Contact us today at 855.494.0357 for more information about our depression treatment program.