29 Comments

  1. This is fascinating, especially reading some of the questions that uncover risk factors. I did not have dysfunctional parents but, rather, parents with health issues that put me in a quasi-caretaking role at an early age. I was diagnosed with dysthymia in my 40’s and I suspect my mother had issues with depression, too (she died when I was 12 so I will never know for sure). I have a huge need of feeling in control, also.

    1. I am glad it’s offering another perspective to you Alana. It’s amazing how people don’t recognize that they’re discounting things from the past that shape the way they live today. You can be on automatic. Thanks very much for commenting.

  2. It is shocking to me how many of these were problems of mine….almost all. May I share my testimony that therapy works? That help is available and if you desire to get better it is possible? It took a long time, I had to reprogram my brain practically…but I am so much better.

  3. I answered yes to eight questions and interestingly enough, have recognized I need to take more time for myself. Yay! I’m doing that in so many ways, and it’s wonderful.

  4. I just came across this and I have to admit that it has kind of scared me about how many of these I answered yes.

    1. I hope Cassie that your answers might help point you in a direction where you could begin to ask yourself some questions about how your past might be affecting your present choices. There are plenty of posts on PHD here on the website as well, that might be useful to you. Remember, there are many strong things about some of the “symptoms” or characteristics of PHD. It’s only when they’re over-done or they are the sole way someone functions, that there is a problem Good luck to you. You can always email me at askdrmargaret@146.66.99.73 .

    1. Hi Jessica. I’d urge you to continue reading my work on PHD — there are several posts on the website about it, how it can begin, and what are the initial steps of doing something about it. I also have episodes on my podcast about PHD, in which I go into even further detail. The link to the podcast is below. It starts with 003 and 004 then there are others sprinkled around. Good luck to you. Dr. M.

  5. I’m just 16 years old, and I know that people who read this are older than me and experienced tough life but I want to mention that even now, I answered 14 questions yes and I found about PHD yesterday. I was so indescribably bad. Even though, I was never had a depression before, not a minor one. And yesterday I started crying without knowing why, or knowing why. And at this moment, I have to make decisions that are going to change my life. And I seriously don’t know what to do with it. And, well my parents, they can’t help me. I’m so screwed up. Because I think they are one of those reasons.

    1. Hello Layla. Being 16 can be really tough, but that doesn’t mean depression can’t be present. Please find some adult you can talk to about what’s going on, before your depression gets worse. If it’s not your parents, then maybe someone who could help your parents understand. Take very good care. Dr. Margaret

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