Back when I was depressed the thing that surprised me most was how many people confessed they were wondering if they might be depressed too.
When you go to the doctor to talk about 'feeling a bit down' they get you to do a Depression Questionnaire - like one of those multiple-choice quizzes you get in magazines, only not as fun. Just check 9 easy tick boxes for your chance to win a prescription for legal drugs and a leaflet on 'talking therapies'. #winning
While this questionnaire is useful, maybe you're not ready to face the answers yet or talk to anyone official. If you're anything like I was, you'll be in denial and telling yourself you're 'just having a bad day'. Again. And 'everyone feels like this sometimes*' (*all the time).
In which case why not play Depression Bingo? This is not scientific, does not replace medical diagnosis and won't bag you a supply of Happy Pills. It's just my take on the signals that characterised depression for me, along with some thrown in by other sufferers.
So come on, play along. I dare you. Cross every box that relates to you - I've got my fingers crossed for you.
Are you...
Are you a winner at Depression Bingo? If so, maybe think about speaking to your doctor to claim your well-deserved prize - whether that's exercising more, talking to someone who can help or going on medication.
Wishing you all the best and here's hoping you feel champion again soon.