Depression Worksheets

Below are commonly asked questions on this topic:

What are the 5 levels of depression?

Whether seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression, premenstrual syndrome, a combination of these or something else entirely, mild to severe depression can arise for many reasons. In any case, many of these will produce similar depression symptoms. They can be interpreted on a scale of five levels of depression: mild, moderate, severe, melancholic, and psychotic. This should not be a diagnosis reached by yourself, however, but rather by a doctor or other licensed medical or mental health professional.

What are the 7 forms of depression?

There are many forms of depression, which is a mental illness that can cause a variety of difficulties for people and those around them (parents, kids, family, friends, etc.).

7 common types of depression include major depressive disorder (or major depression), persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and atypical depression. Each of these is a unique form of mental illness with different outcomes that should be diagnosed by a doctor or other medical or mental health professional. There are many things that can cause low mood (i.e. depressed mood), low self esteem, negative thoughts (or automatic thoughts), anxiety, etc. It’s important to discuss your feelings with a professional rather than attempt to identify your own disorder or disorders. A medical professional can help you develop the best treatment plan for you and help mitigate any distress you’re experiencing.

What are the two best coping mechanisms to mitigate depression?

There isn’t necessarily one best way for coping with difficulties associated with depression. Fortunately, there are many different activities, which makes it more likely that you can find one that works for you.

First off, it’s important to avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, and other substances as a treatment method for depression. The effectiveness is not high and aims to avoid the problem rather than confront it. Secondly, any coping mechanisms should be accompanied by active treatment, e.g. taking medication and speaking with a therapist.

Some healthy coping strategies that may also reduce depression symptoms include exercise, making contact with old friends, spending quality time with parents, children, and other family, and mindfulness exercises. You could also pursue a hobby or something else that enhances skills, such as learning an instrument or a language. Coping mechanisms such as these are tools that can play an important part in helping you rediscover your sense of joy and happiness. Activities such as exercise also happen to be good for you and may also boost your confidence and self-esteem.

As always, refer to your doctor or another medical professional’s guidance and adhere to the tools, resources, and exercises that they recommend.

What are 5 causes of depression?

There are many possible causes of depression, and it’s important to contact a doctor or other medical professional so you can be diagnosed and figure out the main causes of your depression.

Here are a few common causes of (or contributors to) depression:

• Excessive guilt (e.g. facing consequences of a negative action)
• Grief (e.g. loss of parents, loss of children)
• Major life events (e.g. losing a job, losing a house)
• Reckless behavior (and facing its consequences)
• Giving birth (i.e. postpartum depression)
• Family history
• Alcohol and drugs
• Illness

Whatever the cause or causes, the most important part is to seek treatment by tackling your depression disorder (or disorders) with the help of a medical professional. This greatly reduces the risk that you form unhealthy strategies such as alcohol or substance use. Doctors have resources that can help you better understand and treat your depression symptoms. You don’t have to work on managing depression alone—in fact, it’s much better if you don’t.

What is the most serious form of depression?

Clinical depression, which is sometimes known as major depressive disorder or major depression, is the most serious and severe form of depression. This is because it negatively affects mental health for a long period of time, and may resist treatments (even treatment facilities and medications).

If you are experiencing depression, you should see a doctor or other medical professional for a diagnosis. One episode of sadness does not necessarily indicate depression; rather, a sustained period of sadness and/or hopelessness does. But a doctor is best suited to diagnose depression or other mental or medical illnesses officially.

What are the 3 stages of depression?

There are different perspectives on this—some people say there are three stages and some four. Here is the three-stage view: Origin, lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed, and lack of interest or abandonment of obligatory activities.

For example, the first stage might be the development of certain feelings or behaviors associated with depression. You may have negative automatic thoughts and develop unhelpful thinking styles or core beliefs. Then, you may no longer appreciate activities you once enjoyed (e.g. watching sports or going for walks). Finally, you may stop doing activities that need to be done (e.g. laundry, going to work, etc.).

What are the 4 main causes of depression?

There isn’t necessarily any one main cause—or causes—of depression. Rather, depression tends to be caused by a variety of factors, such as family history, anxiety, and major life events (and other circumstances). To best overcome your depression, it’s important that your treatment is tailored to what’s causing it, so it’s vital that you work with medical professionals. 

In any case, here are a few typical causes of (or contributors to) depression:

• Excessive guilt (e.g. facing consequences of a negative action)
• Grief (e.g. loss of parents, loss of children)
• Major life events (e.g. losing a job, losing a house)
• Reckless behavior (and facing its consequences)
• Giving birth (i.e. postpartum depression)
• Family history
• Alcohol and drugs
• Illness

How long do most depressive episodes last?

Depressive episodes may vary depending on the person and the cognitive restructuring that can occur with depression or another mental illness. Some people may have depressive disorders that are long term, such as persistent depressive disorder, while others may simply experience one short depressive episode due to a life event (such as the loss of a loved one).

Either way, it’s important to find to a medical professional because they know how to treat clients for depression and other mental disorders. You will fill out an information sheet and discuss your issues with the doctor. They will provide resources for you and help you identify a treatment plan. Don’t buy into ideas like getting help is weak—this way of thinking is toxic. In fact, recognizing you need help is a sign of strength. Take the next steps to get help to ensure that you use all the tools that are available to you and you can improve your mental health.

Mental health worksheets are another way that you can start to better understand your mental health. You might try a website like BetterHelp to take advantage of its many resources

What should you do during a depression?

It may be tempting to find a random website online and believe everything written there. Sometimes, however, people with no medical background are writing blogs that may be influenced by their own beliefs rather than the research supporting modern science and medicine. Instead, use trustworthy resources such as those offered by the National Institute of Mental Health or BetterHelp, whose articles are reviewed by licensed medical professionals.

Using worksheets can be a good way to assess your mental health. A given worksheet may help you realize if you may be depressed. Just remember that such resources are convenient tools and are not meant to replace the opinion of a medical professional. So, be mindful of the type of website where you get a worksheet and remember that every worksheet is not created equal. You can find many types of worksheet through BetterHelp’s website, which has many tools and resources for adults.

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