DENIAL
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Are you eating too much or too little?
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Do you find it hard to sleep, or sleep too much?
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Do you feel tired all the time or generally lacking energy?
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Do you feel inadequate?
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Are you less productive than you used to be at home or at work?
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Do you have trouble concentrating or making decisions?
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Do you have a tendency to brood over things, feel sorry for yourself or be pessimistic about the future?
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Does the world seem grey?
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Are you easily irritated?
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Do you rarely enjoy or feel interested in pleasurable activities?
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Are you prone to crying?
Anyone recognising two or more symptoms should also speak to their doctor; especially if the symptoms have existed more or less constantly, with no more than a couple of months’ relief, for two or more years. Other suggestions for dealing with depression include consulting a nutritionist to check on diet, cutting down on alcohol consumption and taking more exercise – as an aerobic-style workout releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormone. 21
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