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DEPRESSION AND SADNESS AREN'T THE SAME THING
12 Feb 2019
Tags: Depression , Life changes , Quiz
Depression is very common and serious mental medical condition which affects millions of people. It can lead to emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and physical problems and can decrease a person's ability to function at work, at school, and at home.
But are you depressed? Or are you just going through a sad time in your life? This short test from the American Psychiatric Association Depression Test can help you find out.
Depression can stem from difficult life events, such as the loss of a loved one or a trauma, also people sometimes can feel miserable or depressed without knowing why. Additionally, depression, especially in midlife or older adults, can co-occur with other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, and even cancer. Sometimes medications taken for these illnesses may cause side effects that lead to depression and when depression is present, the condition gets even worse.
If you think you are depressed, you should talk to your doctor, consider seeing a therapist, or try at-home therapies like the Virtual EMDR Eye Movement Therapy Program.
What is the Difference between Depression and Sadness?
It is important to realize that being sad or upset from time to time is a normal part of life because difficult life events happen to everyone. However, depression is more serious and is characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness and hopelessness which causes a person to lose their interest in daily activities and to decrease his or her ability to perform normal life activities.
Sadness is usually triggered by a specific event, experience, or situation. So we tend to be sad for something. Otherwise depression doesn't necessarily require a specific event, or situation so when we're depressed, we feel sad for everything. In addition while sadness is an emotion, depression is a medical condition.
American Psychiatric Association Depression Test
The following Depression Test will only take you about 2 minutes to finish. Every question has 2 answers, yes or no. You must think over the last 2 weeks while answering them and every 'yes' answer means 1 point. Please use a sheet to write your answers on. Let's get started!
Do you usually get angry, irritated, or aggressive easily? (Y/N)
Have you felt sad or tearful for a majority of the day? (Y/N)
Have you been feeling more pessimistic or negative than usual? (Y/N)
Do you see no future for yourself? (Y/N)
Have you ever had a feeling of emptiness? (Y/N)
Do you often feel extremely tired without apparent reason? (Y/N)
Do you feel guilty, or worthless because of the things happened? (Y/N)
Have you lost your interest or pleasure in doing activities? (Y/N)
Do you feel lonely or withdrawn from the world? (Y/N)
Do you feel that life is not worth living? (Y/N)
Have you ever thought of suicide? (Y/N)
Did you drink/eat too much, or use drug, or try dangerous activities recently? (Y/N)
Have you lost your interest in sexual activity? (Y/N)
Have you been bothered by losing concentration and/or difficulty in completing tasks? (Y/N)
Have your thoughts/acts gotten slower? (Y/N)
Is it difficult for you to fall asleep most nights to the point that you do not get adequate sleep and are tired the next day? (Y/N)
Do you feel you sleep a lot more than you should because of feeling fatigued most of the day? (Y/N)
Do you wake up early in the morning and find you can’t go back to sleep? (Y/N)
Recently, have you gained a lot of weight or lost a lot (not due to dieting)? (Y/N)
Have you gotten any pain without a medical reason? (Y/N)
Is there any digestive problem, or cramp in your body? (Y/N)
What Does Your Score Mean?
The higher score you get from this test, the higher probability you have depression.
You may also have additional symptoms because there are different types of depression.
Types of Depression
Major Depression: It lasts at least 2 weeks and most of the days going with depressed mood, irritability, loss of joy, and decreased function at working/studying.
Dysthymia: A depressed mood lasts for at least 2 years. A person diagnosed with dysthymia may have major depression episodes along with periods of less severe symptoms.
Seasonal Affective Disorder: It is generally characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight.
Atypical Depression: Depression includes the ability to temporarily be cheered by happy events, increased appetite, sensitivity to rejection, and heaviness in limbs.
Bipolar Disorder: It is different from depression however it includes the depressive periods, named 'bipolar depression'. Additionally, a person with bipolar disorder experiences a high euphoric or irritable moods (mania) and less severe periods (hypomania).
Psychotic Depression: It occurs when a person experiences psychosis with depression such as hearing/seeing something others cannot see, or delusions.
Postpartum Depression: It includes the time pregnancy and after giving birth, going with a mild depressive and anxious mood, also exhaustion.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: It involves depression symptoms associated with hormonal changes which begin a week before and improve within a few days after the onset of period, and gone after the period is over.
After reading this, if you suspect on that you might experience depression, you should contact a doctor or mental health professional as soon as possible. Depression is a medical problem that requires long-term treatment because you cannot simply get rid of it. And depression can get worse in time if it isn't treated. However, if you take a treatment (therapy, medication, rescheduling your daily routine, taking supplements etc.) you'll feel better in time.
One option is EMDR (Eye Movement Therapy). EMDR is highly effective method to reduce the impact of past events that lead to depression. The aim of EMDR is to desensitize the negative emotional burdens of past events which the person gets stuck, then strengthen the person's contact with positive emotional capacity in which he or she is unable to connect due to his or her depression. In fact, this is a process that the human brain does automatically but since the brain of a depressed person cannot perform this procedure, negative emotions cannot be desensitized so the negative impacts go on.
If you want to give it a try, you can use Virtual EMDR Program online. All plans include a30-day money back guarantee and you can try Virtual EMDR free for three days. You can sign up here!
Don't be late for a better life!
REFERENCES
Cagliostro, D. (2018, 28 September). Depression. Retrieved from https://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html
Erol, Z. (2014, 12 August). Depresyonda EMDR. Retrieved from http://www.zehraerol.com/depresyonda-emdr/
Higuera, V., & Holland, K. (2018, 6 December). Everything You Want to Know about Depression. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/depression
Mayo Clinic Staff (2018, 3 February). Depression (Major Depressive Disorder). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356013
Parekh, R. (2017, January). What is Depression? Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
The National Institute of Mental Health (2018, February). Depression. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml#part_145398
Winch, G. (2015, 2 October). The Important Difference Between Sadness and Depression. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-squeaky-wheel/201510/the-important-difference-between-sadness-and-depression
Test was adapted from:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC.
https://www.depression-helper.com/depressiontest.htm
https://allpsych.com/tests/diagnostic/depression/

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Using EMDR to treat
Depression

Depression is one of many emotional disorders that can be effectively treated using EMDR therapy.
In scientific studies, EMDR has been used successfully on major depressive disorder, long-term depression, and other depression. It is also effective to treat depression alongside PTSD, addiction, anxiety and other disorders.
Unlike traditional treatment, EMDR delivers faster-acting, more effective and longer-lasting results, by addressing the root causes of Depression, not just the symptoms.
Many people report feeling a noticeable improvement even after just one EMDR session - and a significant reduction in their symptoms after only a few sessions!

Thousands of people have used Virtual EMDR's online self-guided program to address Depression in the privacy and safety of their home. Click to learn how Virtual EMDR works on Depression >>

“Depression was something I had to live with - or so I thought... After using Virtual EMDR in the past week, I’m STAGGERED at the massive improvement! I now feel well enough to go back to work!"
Using EMDR to treat
ANXIETY

Anxiety is one of many emotional disorders that can be effectively treated using EMDR therapy.
In scientific studies, EMDR has been used successfully on people suffering from panic attacks, social anxiety (agoraphobia), general anxiety disorder and other types of Anxiety. It is also effective to treat anxiety alongside PTSD, addiction, depression and other disorders.
Unlike traditional treatment, EMDR delivers faster-acting, more effective and longer-lasting results, by addressing the root causes of Anxiety, not just the symptoms.
Many people report feeling a noticeable improvement even after just one EMDR session - and a significant reduction in their symptoms after only a few sessions!

Thousands of people have used Virtual EMDR's online self-guided program to address Anxiety in the privacy and safety of their home. Click to learn how Virtual EMDR works on Anxiety >>

“Virtual EMDR has absolutely helped with my Anxiety and paranoias! After using the program, things that used to bother me don’t give me the same emotional distress anymore. The weight of the troubling thoughts that were haunting me are lifted. Thank you!”
Using EMDR to treat
CHILDHOOD TRAUMA

Childhood Trauma is one of many emotional disorders that can be effectively treated using EMDR therapy.
EMDR has been used successfully on people who have been living with the shame and blame of childhood trauma. Many had struggled for years with PTSD, depression, addictions, grief, anger issues, and other types of emotional pain.
Unlike traditional treatment, EMDR delivers faster-acting, more effective and longer-lasting results, by addressing the root causes of Childhood Trauma, not just the symptoms.
Many people report feeling a noticeable improvement even after just one EMDR session - and a significant reduction in their symptoms after only a few sessions!

Thousands of people have used Virtual EMDR's online self-guided program to address Childhood Trauma in the privacy and safety of their home. Click to learn how Virtual EMDR works on Childhood Trauma >>

“Virtual EMDR helped me to finally come to terms with my childhood trauma. I don’t remember much, because I had buried the pain for so long. After using Virtual EMDR, I could finally recall the suppressed memories and get past what happened. It’s worked better than anything I’ve tried!”
Using EMDR to treat
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of many emotional disorders that can be effectively treated using EMDR therapy. In fact, PTSD was the first condition initially treated by EMDR in the 1990s.
In scientific studies, EMDR has been used successfully on people suffering from PTSD as a result of combat, childhood trauma, personal tragedy, abuse, and crime. Many had struggled helplessly with the emotional pain for years.
Unlike traditional treatment, EMDR delivers faster-acting, more effective and longer-lasting results, by addressing the root causes of PTSD, not just the symptoms. EMDR has been shown to be more effective than Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and talk therapy.
Many people report feeling a noticeable improvement even after just one EMDR session - and a significant reduction in their symptoms after only a few sessions!

Thousands of people have used Virtual EMDR's online self-guided program to address PTSD in the privacy and safety of their home.Click to learn how Virtual EMDR works on PTSD >>

“I was diagnosed with Complex PTSD 2 years ago and was totally suicidal. I had countless panic attacks, and would wake in the night screaming. After using Virtual EMDR for just 1 week, I’ve experienced incredible results! My chronic pain is gone. I can do normal things that I couldn’t just last week. You are saving lives!”
Using EMDR to treat
ADDICTION

ADDICTION is one of many emotional disorders that can be effectively treated using EMDR therapy.
EMDR has been used successfully on people suffering from addictions to substances (drugs, alcohol, pills) and addictive behaviors (gambling, sex addiction, eating disorders). Many had struggled helplessly with the guilt and emotional pain for years.
Unlike traditional treatment, EMDR delivers faster-acting, more effective and longer-lasting results, by addressing the root causes of Addiction, not just the symptoms.
Many people report feeling a noticeable improvement even after just one EMDR session - and a significant reduction in their symptoms after only a few sessions!

Thousands of people have used Virtual EMDR's online self-guided program to address Addiction in the privacy and safety of their home.Click to learn how Virtual EMDR works on Addiction >>

“Thank you, Virtual EMDR, for helping me get sober. All my adult life, I drank like a fish to numb my pain from childhood trauma, depression, fear and anxiety. Virtual EMDR helped me to finally make peace with my abusive childhood, allowing me to get some distance from acting out with alcohol. I’ve been able to stay sober and stop living my life at the bottom of a bottle!”
Using EMDR to treat
ANGER

Anger is one of many emotional disorders that can be effectively treated using EMDR therapy.
EMDR has been used successfully on people suffering from uncontrollable anger and other unwanted emotions. Many had struggled helplessly with the guilt and shame of their behavior for years, knowing the cost to themselves and their loved ones.
Unlike traditional treatment, EMDR delivers faster-acting, more effective and longer-lasting results, by addressing the root causes of Anger and Unwanted Emotions, not just the symptoms.
Many people report feeling a noticeable improvement even after just one EMDR session - and a significant reduction in their symptoms after only a few sessions!

Thousands of people have used Virtual EMDR's online self-guided program to address Anger and other unwanted emotions in the privacy and safety of their home.Click to learn how Virtual EMDR works on Anger >>

“For years, I struggled with anger, depression, and irritability that would be set off by the smallest things, and last for days. Virtual EMDR does what it says it does! It disempowered the negative emotions inside. Things that used to trigger a response no longer set me off. I feel at ease, finally in control”
Using EMDR to treat
SELF-ESTEEM

If you are living with self-esteem issues, EMDR therapy can help you permanently eliminate the disempowering mindsets and self-beliefs that are holding you back.
Whether the result of traumatic experience, childhood neglect, or negative self-talk, low self-esteem can impact every aspect of your life.
Let EMDR deliver faster-acting, more effective and longer-lasting results, by addressing the root causes of Self-Esteem, not just the symptoms.
Many people report feeling a noticeable improvement even after just one EMDR session - and a significant reduction in their symptoms after only a few sessions!

Thousands of people have used Virtual EMDR's online self-guided program to address Self-Esteem issues in the privacy and safety of their home.Click to learn how Virtual EMDR works on Self-Esteem >>

“For as long as I can remember, I told myself that “I am worthless. I am shameful. I am wrong and scary. I am too needy.
After using Virtual EMDR, I now believe that ‘I am worthy of love. I am attractive. People love me and are thinking of me”. Thank you for helping me on my journey to self-love.’”
Using EMDR to treat
GRIEF

Grief is one of many emotional disorders that can be effectively treated using EMDR therapy.
EMDR has been used successfully on people suffering from grief due to loss of a loved one, miscarriage, divorce or separation, personal tragedy, and other life events.
Unlike traditional treatment, EMDR delivers faster-acting, more effective and longer-lasting results, by addressing the root causes of Grief, not just the symptoms.
Many people report feeling a noticeable improvement even after just one EMDR session - and a significant reduction in their symptoms after only a few sessions!

Thousands of people have used Virtual EMDR's online self-guided program to address Grief in the privacy and safety of their home.Click to learn how Virtual EMDR works on Grief >>

“I lost my son in very tragic circumstances. Today, my grief counsellor recommended Virtual EMDR to me – and I’m so glad she did. In just my first session, my pain when thinking of my son went from 8 (on a 10-point scale) to 1! I felt a sense of peace and calm that I hadn’t experienced in a long time. Thank you!”
Using EMDR to treat
PHOBIA

Phobia is one of many emotional disorders that can be effectively treated using EMDR therapy.
EMDR has been used successfully on people suffering from phobias, such as agoraphobia (social anxiety), claustrophobia (enclosed spaces), entomophobia (insects), fear of flying, public speaking, and other phobia.
Unlike traditional treatment, EMDR delivers faster-acting, more effective and longer-lasting results, by addressing the root causes of Phobia, not just the symptoms.
Many people report feeling a noticeable improvement even after just one EMDR session - and a significant reduction in their symptoms after only a few sessions!

Thousands of people have used Virtual EMDR's online self-guided program to address Phobia in the privacy and safety of their home.Click to learn how Virtual EMDR works on Phobia >>

“I did 5 sessions of Virtual EMDR to deal with my severe claustrophobia. I was AMAZED at the results! Also, as a therapist with 15 years experience, I’ve introduced Virtual EMDR to my clients. It has significantly helped them with disorders, such as panic, PTSD, anxiety, depression. They are less reactive to their triggers and are more equipped to manage their distress. Highly recommended!“
Using EMDR to treat
STRESS

Stress is one of many emotional disorders that can be effectively treated using EMDR therapy.
EMDR has been used successfully on people suffering from stress and anxiety, caused by relationships, career, financial stress, health worries, and major life changes.
Unlike traditional treatment, EMDR delivers faster-acting, more effective and longer-lasting results, by addressing the root causes of Stress, not just the symptoms.
Many people report feeling a noticeable improvement even after just one EMDR session - and a significant reduction in their symptoms after only a few sessions!

Thousands of people have used Virtual EMDR's online self-guided program to address Stress in the privacy and safety of their home.Click to learn how Virtual EMDR works on Stress >>

“I was experiencing severe stress and anxiety, due to a recent natural disaster in my town. Virtual EMDR helped me cope with this stress, which was exacerbated by the deaths of two close friends. I found it very helpful to be able to do sessions online whenever I felt agitated or irritated. Thank you!“
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