Understanding and recognizing the signs of depression is crucial for seeking appropriate help and support. As a therapist, I believe in the power of knowledge and self-awareness when it comes to mental health. Thus, in this blog, we will explore the nine diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Text Revision) to help you assess whether you may be experiencing depression. Importantly, self-assessment is not a substitute for professional evaluation. However, it can serve as a starting point in understanding your mental well-being.
When Depression Becomes Severe
Firstly, if you have found this blog because you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek immediate emergency help. You can call 911 or, if this does not feel like an emergency but you need to speak with someone instantly, call or text 988 (or 1-800-662-4357). This is SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. SAMHSA is a free, confidential, and 24/7 help line. You can learn more about SAMHSA by clicking hereNow, let’s explore additional criteria to help you evaluate your symptoms further.
Do you Meet the Diagnostic Criteria of Depression?
Depressed Mood: One of the primary indicators of depression is a persistent feeling of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness. Because of this, it is common to experience a profound sense of sadness that persists for most of the day, nearly every day. Do you find yourself feeling persistently sad, empty, or hopeless throughout most of your day, nearly every day?
Loss of Interest or Pleasure: A significant symptom of depression is a diminished interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. Therefore, hobbies, socializing, and even personal relationships may lose their appeal. Have you experienced a significant decrease in interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable? Are hobbies, socializing, or personal relationships no longer appealing?
Weight or Appetite Changes: Depression can manifest as noticeable weight loss or weight gain, as well as changes in appetite. Understandably, this may result in a significant decrease or increase in food intake. Have you noticed noticeable weight loss or weight gain, or experienced changes in your appetite? Has your food intake significantly decreased or increased?
Sleep Disturbances: Depression often disrupts the regular sleep patterns of individuals. Thus, you may experience insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, or excessive sleeping, known as hypersomnia. Have you been having trouble falling asleep, experiencing insomnia, or oversleeping (hypersomnia) on a regular basis due to your emotional state?
Psychomotor Changes: Depression may cause observable changes in psychomotor activities, such as slowed movements, lethargy, or restlessness. Have you observed any significant changes in your psychomotor activities, such as slowed movements, lethargy, or restlessness?
Fatigue or Loss of Energy: Feeling persistently tired or lacking energy, even after minimal physical or mental exertion, is common in individuals with depression. Do you often feel tired, lacking energy, or easily exhausted even after minimal physical or mental exertion?
Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Depression often leads to a pervasive sense of worthlessness or excessive guilt. So, you may constantly criticize yourself or feel responsible for things beyond your control. Do you frequently experience feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt? Are you overly self-critical or burdened by guilt for things beyond your control?
Difficulty Concentrating: Depression can impair your ability to concentrate, make decisions, or remember important details. Notably, this cognitive symptom can affect your work, studies, or daily tasks. Are you having trouble concentrating, making decisions, or remembering important details due to a lack of focus or mental fog?
Recurrent Thoughts of Death or Suicidal Ideation: Persistent thoughts of death, dying, or suicidal ideation should always be taken seriously. Have you been having persistent thoughts of death, dying, or suicidal ideation? Do these thoughts cause you distress or concern? Again, if you are experiencing these thoughts, it’s essential to seek professional help immediately.
Putting it all Together
Do 5 or more of the symptoms above sound like they match your current experience? If so, you may qualify for a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder. This can be difficult to learn, and even harder to fully understand and, in time, accept. Take a moment. You do not have to experience this revelation alone. Similarly, you do not need to know what to do next. This is where a therapist can help.
If you would like to learn more about whether you may meet diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder, then click here. That link will take you to HelpGuide, which provides more information about how to tell if you are experiencing depression. It includes a brief self-administered assessment to help you understand the severity of your symptoms.
Am I Depressed? Worksheet
Want these questions in an easy to use free downloadable worksheet? This worksheet will help you take steps forward in dealing with anxiety. You’ll also get access to all our worksheets in Here Counseling’s Resource Library!
