[stefano]

I made this 10 steps rating scale to be able to identify the depth of my episodes, to make better reports to my pdoc, and to make the time pass when I am depressed and depression is the only thing I can think about

1 = Perfect serenity.
2 = Light uneasiness, just a feeling hard to focus.
3 = Discomfort, a sensation that is annoying but not defined in its content.
4 = The smell of depression. Who has depression can immediately tell when it is approaching, this is when you indentify it.
5 = Strong smell of depression. You feel the beast is right around the corner. Anticipating the pain.
6 = Depression, not taxing yet, but it can permeates the day.
7 = Steady depression. Gloomy thoughts can't be driven off. Anhedonia is up.
8 = Strong depression. Frequent weeping, total anhedonia. Other physical symptoms show: insomnia, hypersomnia, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, etc.
9 = Excruciating depression. One screams and shivers and self injure is likely.
10 = Suicide.

[Doh2007]

That's a great idea. I think I'll use it too. I might change #10 to Thoughts of S.

[FireBird]

Right now I am a 9.5.

[stefano]

Well, doh2007, we may want to sanitize #10, but thoughts of S. may appear since #7. We may call it "Actual S. risk"?

Firebird, yes it is good to introduce fractions
And I'm sorry about your score

[mrsmoggles]

ooo i think for me it is a bit different...but that is great if it is marked out and i can say with certainty i am here, maybe the docs will be able to help me...

1...able to focus, peace can be reached
2...same
3...discontent and agitated slightly
4...stale breath at the back of my neck
5...physical pain worsens
6...same
7...same
8...same, increased pain, constant tape playing names i call myself from past
9...same, but i have thought of the differnt pain i can go through...i make myself die over and over and over in horrible ways.
10...hospitalization...I am sorry...I changed it up soemwhat so i can 'own' it. I hope that is ok stephano as i think it is a great thing and since it changed to reflect myself, then i will be more likely to use it and therefore it can be a tool in my quest to be depression-free(something few and far between) if it ain't ok, just let me know and i can take this post off here...ty... melanie

[stefano]

Of course it's ok Melanie
What is important is the idea, the concept of being more aware of one's condition, both for telling useful things to the doctors, and just yo make up one's mind. Every one should make his own scale.

[Perna]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
stefano said:
and to make the time pass when I am depressed and depression is the only thing I can think about

4 = The smell of depression.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">
I love it Stefano :-) What does it smell like. I guess I'd say "raw mushrooms" kind of musty; maybe certain "old books"?

[stefano]

Good question, Perna. To me depression might smell like a damp canteen, like rotten vegetables. Most of all, it smells like uncared blankets, soaked with cold sweat and tears.

[hold2truth]

Stefano,

Excellent! I LOVE it! I'll take it to my doc next time I see him. Your scale is very similar to mine, but better worded. Thanks!

And, by the way, your syntax is wonderful. You're not the only one that has English as a second language (or however many you know)--American Sign Language is my mother tongue. I'm deaf. Feel free to PM me if you catch an error on my part. I always welcome the correction.

[timeforsleep]

Excellent scale