Your moods! How brain chemistry affects you!

We are providing you with these questionnaires so you can gauge the scope, the breadth and the depth of your depression and the state of your brain chemistry. The questionnaires are great for getting a handle on your depression. Unfortunately, as annoying as it is, we cannot give you a whole books worth of information here. So....if this is of further interest to you, then go on to purchase The Mood Cure and read to your heart's content, and implement the wonderful suggestions for balancing your brain chemistry and treating your depression.

On the other hand, the info gleaned from the questionnaires may be enough for you to get the snapshot of your brain chemistry and depression that you need....and in that case...keep moving on!

The Four Part Mood-Type Questionnaire

Write down the number next to each symptom that you identify with. Total your score in each section and compare it to the cut-off score. If your score is over the cut-off, or if you have only a few of the symptoms described in a section, but they bother you (or those close to you) on a regular basis, turn to the chapter indicated. (If you are interested in following this up, you will need to either purchase yourself a copy of The Mood Cure, or see if they have it at your local library.)

Part 1. Are You Under a Dark Cloud?

3) Do you have a tendency to be negative, to see the glass as half-empty rather than half-full? Do you have dark, pessimistic thoughts?

3) Are you often worried and anxious?

3) Do you have feelings of low self-esteem and lack confidence? Do you easily get to feeling self-critical and guilty?

3) Does your behavior often get a bit, or a lot, obsessive? Is it hard for you to make transitions, to be flexible? Are you a perfectionist, a neatnik, or a control freak? A computer, TV, or work addict?

3) Do you really dislike the dark weather or have a clear-cut fall/winter depression (SAD)?

2) Are you apt to be irritable, impatient, edgy, or angry?

3) Do you tend to be shy or fearful? Do you get nervous or panicky about heights, flying, enclosed spaces, public performance, spiders, snakes, bridges, crowds, leaving the house, or anything else?

2) Have you had anxiety attacks or panic attacks (your heart races, it's hard to breathe)?

2) Do you get PMS or menopausal moodiness (tears, anger, depression)?

3) Do you hate hot weather?

2) Are you a night owl, or do you often find it hard to get to sleep, even though you want to?

2) Do you wake up in the night, have restless or light sleep, or wake up too early in the morning?

3) Do you routinely like to have sweet or starchy snacks, wine, or marijuana in the afternoons, evenings, or in the middle of the night (but not earlier in the day)?

2) Do you find relief from any of the above symptoms through exercise?

3) Have you had fibromyalgia (unexplained muscle pain) or TMJ (pain, tension, and grinding associated with your jaw)?

2) Have you had suicidal thoughts or plans?

Total Score ____________ If your score is more than 12 in Part 1, turn to Chapter 3, page 25

Part 2. Are You Suffering from the Blahs?

3) Do you often feel depressed - the flat, bored, apathetic kind?

2) Are you low on physical or mental energy? Do you feel tired a lot, have to push yourself to exercise?

2) Is your drive, enthusiasm, and motivation quota on the low side?

2) Do you have difficulty focusing or concentrating?

3) Are you easily chilled? Do you have cold hands or feet?

2) Do you tend to put on weight too easily?

3) Do you feel the need to get more alert and motivated by consuming a lot of coffee or other "uppers" like sugar, diet soda, ephedra, or cocaine?

Total Score ____________ If your score is more than 6 in Part 2, turn to Chapter 4, page 53.

Part 3. Is Stress Your Problem?

3) Do you often feel overworked, pressured, or deadlined?

1) Do you have trouble relaxing or loosening up?

1) Does your body tend to be stiff, uptight, tense?

2) Are you easily upset, frustrated, or snappy under stress?

3) Are you easily chilled? Do you have cold hands or feet?

2) Do you tend to put on weight too easily?

3) Do you often feel overwhelmed or as though you just can't get it all done?

2) Do you feel weak or shaky at times?

3) Are you sensitive to bright light, noise, or chemical fumes? Do you need to wear dark glasses a lot?

3) Do you feel significantly worse if you skip meals or go too long without eating?

2) Do you use tobacco, alcohol, food, or drugs to relax and calm down?

Total Score ____________ If your score is more than 8 in Part 3, turn to Chapter 5, page 77.

Part 4. Are You Too Sensitive to Life's Pain?

3) Do you consider yourself or do others consider you to be very sensitive? Does emotional pain, or perhaps physical pain, really get to you?

2) Do you tear up or cry easily - for instance, even during TV commercials?

2) Do you tend to avoid dealing with painful issues?

3) Do you find it hard to get over losses or get through grieving?

2) Have you been through a great deal of physical or emotional pain?

3) Do you crave pleasure, comfort, reward, enjoyment, or numbing from treats like chocolate, bread, wine, romance novels, marijuana, tobacco, or lattes?

Total Score ____________ If your score is more than 6 in Part 4, turn to Chapter 6, page 100.

Please note : the nutritional repair tools and diet suggestions are not intended as substitutes for any needed psychotherapy, spiritual guidance, or medical care. They are intended to provide additional relief, where appropriate. Consult a qualified health care provider before following suggestions.

Hopefully this questionnaire has opened up some understanding for you regarding the nature of your brain chemistry and your depression.

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