It is interesting to note that individuals who work in high-stress
environments and those who are seen as leaders, achievers and decision makers seem to be prone
to depression. Sadness is a normal reaction to loss and disappointment. A sad mood lasting for
several days should not be confused with clinical depression. People who are truly depressed
experience more intense and longer lasting symptoms, including negativity, anxiety, hopelessness,
and loss of interest in relationships or activities. At any given time, one out of four people
in the United States experiences the symptoms of depression.
To determine if you have symptoms of depression, we have developed the
following awareness tool. This tool alone should never be used to diagnose or confirm that you
are depressed.
INSTRUCTIONS: Read each sentence carefully and then select the response that best
describes how you have felt over the past two months.