Most of us feel sad or miserable at times, but when these feelings are more severe than usual, go on for too long or interfere with everyday life, it often indicates that depression has become an illness.

This simple set of ten questions will assess your mood. If you answer yes to a few or more of the questions and have felt that way for a substantial period of time it may be an indicator of depression. If you agree with number 10, we would suggest you contact your GP immediately.

1. Do you feel unhappy most of the time?

2. Are you finding it hard to cope with things that used to be manageable?

3. Have you lost interest and enjoyment in activities that you used to enjoy?

4. Are you finding it harder to make decisions?

5. Are you having trouble sleeping?

6. Have you experienced a loss of appetite or have you lost weight?

7. Are you feeling worn out and tired?

8. Do you lack self-confidence in areas that you used to feel competent in?

9. Have you been avoiding other people or friends?

10. Do you ever contemplate suicide as a way out of your problems?

If you're worried you may be suffering from depression visit your GP and for help, support or further information contact one of the following organisations:

Royal College of Psychiatrists factsheet on depression

Depression Alliance

Information, support and self-help groups for sufferers, relatives and carers

Depression UK

An anonymous national self-help organisation for people suffering from depression or their carers

Mind

Information and support from one of the UKs leading mental health charities

Samaritans

National telephone helpline and email service for those in distress, who feel suicidal or need someone to talk to.

SaneLine

A national out-of-hours telephone helpline offering emotional support and information for people affected by mental health problems. Open from 6pm to 11pm every day of the year.

Young Minds

National charity for young people with mental health problems.

Questionnaire compiled with the help of Dr Jim Bolton and Dr Martin Briscoe, consultant psychiatrists and members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Public Education Editorial Board