What is depression?
Almost everyone has experienced depression at some time. Either we have lost a loved one, a job, or
other important thing and feel the loss and grief. .Or we have too much stress and literally "run out of gas" or
energy or we just "burn out". We needed a vacation but couldn't take one. During the holidays, we just
expected too much and couldn't keep up. We may have felt discouraged, lost, disappointed, frustrated and
angry. We didn't want to get out of bed. We just wanted to retreat to "depressoland" where we could curl up
in the fetal position in bed and just stay there.
There are different kinds of depression. First, the ordinary kind that comes with loss and stress; then the
kind that comes with physical changes, pain or illness. Some people have a low grade depression that they
have had most of their lives. Whatever, the kind of depression, it can become serious. We call this clinical
depression, because it needs treatment, without which the victim can become seriously ill and perhaps
even die.
Suicidal thoughts are often present; perhaps not with a suicide plan, but with despondency or thoughts of
worthlessness, hopelessness or just not wanting to go on.
The first way to deal with depression is to assess it's severity by examining symptoms. Below is an
effective tool that you can use to count the number and severity of symptoms. You may complete the
inventory below and email it to Paul Lohkamp, with a confidential message. Or you can copy a printer
friendly version and show it to your doctor. (click on PRINT below)
For a brief on line screening and lots of information on depression and anxiety, click here
Almost everyone has experienced depression at some time. Either we have lost a loved one, a job, or
other important thing and feel the loss and grief. .Or we have too much stress and literally "run out of gas" or
energy or we just "burn out". We needed a vacation but couldn't take one. During the holidays, we just
expected too much and couldn't keep up. We may have felt discouraged, lost, disappointed, frustrated and
angry. We didn't want to get out of bed. We just wanted to retreat to "depressoland" where we could curl up
in the fetal position in bed and just stay there.
There are different kinds of depression. First, the ordinary kind that comes with loss and stress; then the
kind that comes with physical changes, pain or illness. Some people have a low grade depression that they
have had most of their lives. Whatever, the kind of depression, it can become serious. We call this clinical
depression, because it needs treatment, without which the victim can become seriously ill and perhaps
even die.
Suicidal thoughts are often present; perhaps not with a suicide plan, but with despondency or thoughts of
worthlessness, hopelessness or just not wanting to go on.
The first way to deal with depression is to assess it's severity by examining symptoms. Below is an
effective tool that you can use to count the number and severity of symptoms. You may complete the
inventory below and email it to Paul Lohkamp, with a confidential message. Or you can copy a printer
friendly version and show it to your doctor. (click on PRINT below)
For a brief on line screening and lots of information on depression and anxiety, click here
DEPRESSION INVENTORY
[In the boxes under 'YOUR SCORE,' Please fill in the numbers
that best fit your felt responses over the last few days]
[SYMPTOM] [FREQUENCY]
1. Sad or depressed mood. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
2. Feeling guilt or self blame. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
3. Irritable mood. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
4. Not enjoying usual activities. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
5. Withdrawing/avoiding. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
6. Find it hard to do things. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
7. See myself as worthless. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
8. Trouble concentrating. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
9. Difficulty making decisions. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
10. Suicidal thoughts. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
11. Recurrent thoughts of death.[0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
12. Thoughts of a suicide plan. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
13. Low self esteem. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
14. See the future as hopeless. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
15. Self-critical thoughts. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
16. Tiredness/ low energy. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
17. Appetite change
(eating more or less) [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
18. Sleep problems. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
19. Decreased sexual desire. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
Put your scores in the boxes after each of the nineteen symptoms Then email your results
to me and I will evaluate your inventory and confer with you. Please indicate in your email
how you want me to respond, either by email or by phone.
When I evaluate your depression inventory, I will look at the number and type of symptoms
and also their severity. We can discuss a referral for therapy, if needed. Of course, you
may want to discuss the results with your physician.
JUST COMPLETE THE REQUIRED FIELDS AND CLICK ON 'SUBMIT.' >>>
that best fit your felt responses over the last few days]
[SYMPTOM] [FREQUENCY]
1. Sad or depressed mood. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
2. Feeling guilt or self blame. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
3. Irritable mood. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
4. Not enjoying usual activities. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
5. Withdrawing/avoiding. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
6. Find it hard to do things. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
7. See myself as worthless. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
8. Trouble concentrating. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
9. Difficulty making decisions. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
10. Suicidal thoughts. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
11. Recurrent thoughts of death.[0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
12. Thoughts of a suicide plan. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
13. Low self esteem. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
14. See the future as hopeless. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
15. Self-critical thoughts. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
16. Tiredness/ low energy. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
17. Appetite change
(eating more or less) [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
18. Sleep problems. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
19. Decreased sexual desire. [0] not at all [1]sometimes [2]frequently [3]most of the time
Put your scores in the boxes after each of the nineteen symptoms Then email your results
to me and I will evaluate your inventory and confer with you. Please indicate in your email
how you want me to respond, either by email or by phone.
When I evaluate your depression inventory, I will look at the number and type of symptoms
and also their severity. We can discuss a referral for therapy, if needed. Of course, you
may want to discuss the results with your physician.
JUST COMPLETE THE REQUIRED FIELDS AND CLICK ON 'SUBMIT.' >>>
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Depression Screening
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For a printer friendly version of the Depression Inventory click PRINT