onsider the following checklist of common depression symptoms. If you can consistently say Yes to five or more over a two-week period, you may be suffering from depression. You may need to discuss this with your family doctor.

If you recognize these symptoms in a family member or friend, recommend that they see a doctor.

This is not a substitute for professional medical advice, but may be useful for identifying depression. This will not be an accurate guide if there are other personal situations or medical conditions affecting your emotional state.

1. Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood.

2. Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, and low self-esteem.

3. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness.

4. Loss of interest in hobbies and activities once enjoyed.

5. Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping.

6. Loss of appetite and possible weight loss or overeating and weight gain.

7. Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down," or agitation that cannot be controlled.

8. Procrastination-simple tasks seem harder.

9. Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts, constant feelings of "life is not worth living like this."

10. Restlessness, irritability, bad temper, never relaxed or content.

11. Difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making decisions because of persistent, uncontrollable cluttering of sad, negative thoughts.

12. Persistent unexplained physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.

13. Continuous anxiety about small things.

14. Social isolation or withdrawal because of increasing difficulty making small talk.

15. Other relatives with depression, alcoholism, or nervous breakdowns.

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Adapted from Grant Mullen, Why Do I Feel So Down . . . When My Faith Should Lift Me Up? (Tonbridge, U.K.: Sovereign World Ltd., 1999), pp. 106, 107.