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Google helps you find out if you have depression
STATES CHRONICLE – Nowadays, many people are suffering from depression, but only half of them get to receive the treatment they need. In fact, most of them might not even realize they have this condition, so Google decided to come to their help. The company launched a questionnaire which helps people figure out if they are among the victims of depression.
Take a qualified test to find out if you are depressed
For this new tool, Google partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Now, if you search the terms “depression” or “clinical depression”, the first result which comes up at the top, within the Knowledge Card, will offer you the option to check your symptoms and find out if you are clinically depressed.
Once you click on this result, you are directed to PHQ-9, an official and accurate questionnaire from a clinical point of view. After answering the question, the tool will assess your level of depression. Of course, this is not meant to replace an actual professional, but it might help people decide if they need more help.
Google wants to help people fight the social stigma revolving around depression
Google assures users all their answers remain confidential. This is a great move, especially for those who avoid getting the help they need because they are afraid of social stigma. Also, the Knowledge Card informs people that depression is very common in the United States, so potential sufferers should know they are not alone.
A recent study says that, once every two seconds, a person searches Google for depression, and the number of these searchers has doubled in the last five years. Also, people who experience symptoms of depression usually receive the treatment they need with an average delay of 6 to 8 years.
Google hopes their initiative will help people become aware of their condition, and maybe more of them will look for the help they need. The tool is available since Wednesday, but only for users in the United States.
Image Source: Flickr
