Simple quiz reveals what your mental health is like – take the test
WE all feel down from time to time - or a little on edge.
But for some people low mood can be a persistent issue and a sign of something more serious.
A, devised by the NHS, claims to help people better understand how they've been feeling over the last fortnight.
It also points people in the right direction for helpful advice and information on depression and anxiety.
Around as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Depression is not just a feeling of unhappiness - which is common and totally normal.
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Those who have the condition can suffer from an immense feeling of sadness that can last for weeks and even months.
Depressive symptoms include; low mood, loss of interest and enjoyment in ordinary things.
The test asks several questions to determine whether someone is experiencing depression.
It asks how low you feel, how well you sleep, how much energy you have and what your appetite has been like.
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Everyone's experience of the condition is different as it can manifest itself in various ways but is often described as a total disconnect from all feelings of happiness and enjoyment.
The second half of the test asks questions to determine the likelihood someone is experiencing anxiety.
Anxiety is a normal feeling, also known as the "fight or flight" response.
But in some cases the response occurs unnecessarily and leaves people with a feeling of apprehension over the future, or the belief that something could go wrong.
Data from the suggested around one in three adults experienced high levels of anxiety during 2022.
Financial concerns were the main reason people listed for feeling anxious, the charity said.
The quiz asks whether people have felt worried recently and how often, whether they've had trouble relaxing and if they have been easily irritated.
The quiz ends by giving you a depression and anxiety score and advises you on what to do next - which in some cases will be to book a GP appointment.
Your doctor may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes including, cutting down on alcohol consumption, eating more healthily or exercising more frequently.
Talking therapies are also available like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and sometimes doctors prescribe antidepressants.
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In some cases, a combination of the two is recommended.
If you are worried about yourself or a loved one, you can call advice services like for free on 116 123.