A simple test to identify depression and a few ways to treat it

Depression is one of the most common -- and most debilitating -- modern medical conditions. Identifying that your suffer from depression is the first step to getting help:

Sometimes it's hard to tell stress, anger and depression apart. Try answering the questions below to find out which may play the biggest role in your life. Circle the five statements that most apply to you:

1. I feel sad and hopeless most of the time.
2. I spend most of my time alone.
3. I have trouble sleeping most nights.
4. I have a hard time making decisions.
5. I often have trouble concentrating.
6. I often dislike my bosses.
7. I have trouble meeting deadlines.
8. I let small things get under my skin.
9. I'm more of an observer than a participant.
10. I have a sarcastic sense of humour.
11. I drink and smoke more than I like.
12. I often feel tired.
13. I have a sensitive stomach.
14. I often feel anxious and insecure.
15. I tend to see the glass half empty.

If most of your answers fall in one to five, you may be depressed. If most of your answers fall in 6-10, chances are that anger is contributing to your pain. And if most of your answers fall within 11-15, stress is your address.

Pain centres, which are medical centres that focus on pain, often treat pain and depression simultaneously. Here are some approaches that help address both problems:

If you know you are vulnerable to depression, share that information with your doctor as soon as any pain treatment begins.

• Your doctor may be able to help your pain from becoming chronic by addressing depression simultaneously.
• This knowledge may affect the doctor's choice of treatments:  some antidepressants are more effective than others for treating pain as well as depression.

You've already heard the advice to exercise. Exercise not only helps relieve pain but is a powerful mood lifter.

• As little as 10 to 15 minutes at a time can sweeten your spirits. That's because exercise boosts mood-altering neurotransmitters in your brain just as antidepressants do, and it stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.
• While depression often chases off sleep, exercise improves it. That 10-minute trot lowers stress hormones and increases body temperature, which can calm you.

Both pain and depression are isolating.

• Walking with a friend, joining a club or support group, or volunteering to help someone else can boost your spirits.

Depression is a lonely condition that often worsens over time, especially if you isolate yourself because of it. If you think you are depressed, be sure to consult a doctor and see if there are any medical treatments that can help you.