Google Will Now Ask You: Are You Depressed?
The tech giant Google has partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to help raise awareness about clinical depression and encourage those who suffer from it to receive treatment.
The tech giant Google announced recently that now you can check if you are clinically depressed from the tech giant Google’s search. When you search for “clinical depression” on Google from your mobile device, you will see a Knowledge Panel that offers the “check if you’re clinically depressed” option.
By clicking on it, you will be taken directly to the clinically validated PHQ-9 depression test survey, which can help determine your level of depression and whether you should consult a physician for an in-person evaluation or not.
“Clinical depression is a very common condition, in fact, approximately one in five Americans experience an episode in their lifetime,” wrote Mary Giliberti, general director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, in a post on the tech giant Google’s blog. “However, despite its prevalence, only 50% of people suffering from depression actually receive treatment.”
Another unfortunate statistic: those who experience symptoms of depression expect from six to eight years, on average, before receiving anti-anxiety medications for treatment.
“We believe that awareness of depression can help empower and educate people, allowing for faster access to treatment,” Giliberti wrote. “We hope that by making this information available to Google, more people will become aware of depression and seek treatment to recover and improve their quality of life.”
It is important to note, however, that PHQ-9 “is not intended to act as a unique tool for diagnosis,” Giliberti warned. Instead, it can be the first step towards a proper diagnosis and can help you have a more informed discussion with your doctor.
So, if you are depressed then you can simply take a survey and if you liked the article then simply do not forget to share this article with your friends and family.
