Being diagnosed with depression
doesn't mean that you are "crazy" or have failed.
It means that your health care provider can help you get the care you need – usually through counseling and medicine
– so that you can get through the day, and even enjoy life.
More than 90 percent of people who die by suicide have depression and other mental health problems. That is one reason why at Allina Medical Clinic we ask our patients with mental health concerns certain questions.
When we know what your depression looks like, we can help.
What to expect at your next clinic visit
If you might have depression, have been diagnosed with depression, or are taking depression medicine, your health care provider will give you a questionnaire called the PHQ-9.
You will be asked if any of these nine problems have bothered you over the last two weeks:
little pleasure in doing things
feeling down, depressed or hopeless
trouble falling asleep or staying asleep or sleeping too much
feeling tired or having little energy
eating too little or too much
feeling bad about yourself – that you are a failure or have let yourself or others down
trouble concentrating
moving or speaking too slowly or feeling more fidgety and restless than usual
thoughts of death or of hurting yourself
Your answers will help determine if you are feeling better and if any changes should be made to your care plan. They will also help us track your progress.
How is Allina doing?
Percentage of patients, age 18 years and older, who completed a PHQ-9 (patient health questionnaire) during their visit for depression
