Depression Screening Assessment
Professional Mental Health Evaluation Tool – Take the First Step Towards Understanding Your Mental Wellness
Welcome to Your Mental Health Journey
Depression is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This confidential screening tool uses the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a scientifically validated assessment used by healthcare professionals globally. Taking this assessment is an important first step in understanding your mental health and seeking appropriate support.
100% Confidential
Your responses are private and never stored or shared
Quick & Easy
Complete in 5 minutes with instant results
Clinically Accurate
Based on the PHQ-9 used by professionals worldwide
Actionable Insights
Get personalized recommendations based on your results
PHQ-9 Depression Screening
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
Your Assessment Results
Recommended Actions:
Understanding Depression: Essential Knowledge
Learn about depression, its symptoms, causes, and how it affects millions of people worldwide
What is Depression?
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, think, and act. It’s more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch—it’s a persistent condition that interferes with daily life.
Key characteristics include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Causes & Risk Factors
Depression doesn’t have a single cause—it results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors.
Common contributing factors:
- Genetic predisposition and family history
- Brain chemistry imbalances
- Traumatic or stressful life events
- Chronic medical conditions
- Substance abuse
- Social isolation and loneliness
- Major life changes or transitions
Treatment Options
Depression is highly treatable, with 80-90% of people responding well to treatment. Early intervention is crucial for better outcomes.
Evidence-based treatments:
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy) – CBT, DBT, IPT
- Antidepressant medications
- Combination of therapy and medication
- Lifestyle modifications
- Support groups and peer support
- Brain stimulation therapies (for severe cases)
- Complementary approaches (meditation, exercise)
Depression Statistics
Understanding the prevalence of depression helps reduce stigma and encourages people to seek help.
Global impact:
- 280+ million people worldwide have depression
- Leading cause of disability globally
- Affects 1 in 15 adults annually
- 1 in 6 people experience depression in their lifetime
- Women are twice as likely as men to be affected
- Often begins in late teens to mid-20s
Warning Signs
Recognizing early warning signs can help you or a loved one seek timely intervention.
Watch for these signs:
- Persistent sadness lasting more than 2 weeks
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Significant changes in eating or sleeping
- Difficulty performing daily tasks
- Unexplained physical pain or fatigue
- Increased irritability or anger
- Talk of death or suicide
Supporting Others
If someone you care about is struggling with depression, your support can make a meaningful difference.
How to help:
- Listen without judgment
- Encourage professional help
- Offer practical assistance
- Stay connected and check in regularly
- Learn about depression
- Be patient—recovery takes time
- Take care of your own mental health
Mental Wellness Tips: Daily Practices for Better Mental Health
Evidence-based strategies you can implement today to support your mental wellbeing
🏃♂️ Move Your Body
Regular physical activity is as effective as antidepressants for mild to moderate depression. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days—walking, swimming, dancing, or any activity you enjoy.
😴 Prioritize Sleep
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and keep your bedroom cool and dark.
🥗 Nourish Your Mind
Eat a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Limit processed foods, sugar, and caffeine. Stay hydrated—dehydration can affect mood and energy.
☀️ Get Sunlight
Spend time outdoors daily, especially in the morning. Natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms and boosts serotonin levels. Even 15 minutes of sunlight can improve mood.
🧘♀️ Practice Mindfulness
Try meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation for 10-15 minutes daily. Mindfulness reduces stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms while improving overall wellbeing.
👥 Stay Connected
Maintain social connections even when you don’t feel like it. Call a friend, join a club, or volunteer. Social support is one of the strongest protective factors against depression.
🎯 Set Small Goals
Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate small victories. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. Even accomplishing one small task can boost mood and motivation.
📱 Limit Social Media
Reduce time on social media platforms. Studies show excessive social media use correlates with increased depression and anxiety. Set boundaries and take regular digital detoxes.
📝 Journal Your Thoughts
Write down your feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Journaling helps process emotions, identify patterns, and track progress. Try gratitude journaling—writing 3 things you’re grateful for daily.
🎨 Engage in Hobbies
Dedicate time to activities you enjoy or explore new interests. Creative pursuits, music, reading, or crafts provide meaningful engagement and can elevate mood and self-esteem.
🚫 Avoid Alcohol & Drugs
Substance use can worsen depression symptoms and interfere with treatment. If you’re struggling with substance use, seek professional help. Recovery is possible with proper support.
💚 Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with the same compassion you’d offer a good friend. Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with more balanced, realistic thoughts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Screening
Get answers to common questions about depression assessment and mental health
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a widely used, scientifically validated screening tool for depression. It consists of 9 questions based on the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder from the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
Developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, and Kurt Kroenke, the PHQ-9 is used by healthcare professionals worldwide to assess depression severity, monitor treatment progress, and make clinical decisions. It has been validated across diverse populations and translated into over 100 languages.
The PHQ-9 has excellent reliability and validity. Studies show it has 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity for detecting major depression when using a cutoff score of 10 or greater. However, this online tool is a screening instrument, not a diagnostic test.
Only a qualified mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis after a comprehensive clinical evaluation. This screening should be used as a first step to identify potential concerns and encourage professional consultation, not as a substitute for professional assessment.
Yes, absolutely. This assessment is completely anonymous and confidential. Your responses are processed locally in your browser and are never transmitted, stored, or shared with anyone. No personal information is collected, and no data is saved to any server or database.
You can take this assessment with complete privacy and peace of mind. We recommend taking the assessment in a private setting where you feel comfortable answering honestly.
Minimal Depression (0-4): Few or no symptoms. You may be experiencing normal mood fluctuations.
Mild Depression (5-9): Some symptoms present but may not significantly impact daily functioning. Monitoring and self-care strategies recommended.
Moderate Depression (10-14): Symptoms are interfering with daily activities. Professional evaluation and treatment strongly recommended.
Moderately Severe Depression (15-19): Significant symptoms requiring professional intervention. Immediate consultation with a mental health professional recommended.
Severe Depression (20-27): Severe symptoms requiring immediate professional attention. Please seek help urgently from a mental health provider or crisis service.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or concerns about your mental health, you can take this screening whenever you feel it would be helpful. Many healthcare providers use the PHQ-9 at regular intervals (every 2-4 weeks) to monitor treatment progress for patients with depression.
However, avoid taking it too frequently (daily or even weekly for self-monitoring) as minor fluctuations in mood are normal and don’t necessarily indicate changes in depression severity. If you’re in treatment, follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for re-assessment intervals.
You should seek professional help if:
• Your score indicates moderate or higher depression (10+)
• You answered anything other than “not at all” to question 9 (thoughts of self-harm)
• Your symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks
• Your symptoms interfere with work, relationships, or daily activities
• You’re experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• You notice a significant change in your functioning or wellbeing
Crisis Resources: If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For crisis support, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) available 24/7.
While the term “cure” may not fully capture the nature of depression treatment, depression is highly treatable, and many people achieve full remission of symptoms. Studies show that 80-90% of people with depression respond well to treatment.
Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Many people experience significant improvement within weeks to months of starting treatment. Some individuals may experience recurrent episodes and benefit from ongoing maintenance treatment or periodic interventions.
With proper treatment, support, and self-care strategies, most people with depression can lead fulfilling, productive lives and experience sustained periods of wellness.
Sadness is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences in response to disappointing, difficult, or painful situations. It’s usually tied to specific circumstances and tends to lift over time as you process the situation or circumstances improve.
Depression, on the other hand, is a persistent mental health condition that:
• Lasts for at least two weeks or longer
• May occur without a clear external cause
• Significantly interferes with daily functioning
• Involves multiple symptoms beyond just sad mood
• Doesn’t necessarily improve with time alone
• Affects thoughts, feelings, and physical health
If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing normal sadness or depression, this screening tool can help, but consulting with a mental health professional is the best way to get clarity and support.
The PHQ-9 has been validated for use in adolescents aged 12 and older, as well as adults of all ages. However, depression can manifest differently in younger individuals—they may show more irritability, anger, or physical complaints rather than typical sadness.
For adolescents and young adults, professional evaluation is especially important because:
• Early intervention can prevent long-term impacts
• Youth may need different treatment approaches
• Development and life transitions add complexity
• Family involvement is often beneficial
If you’re concerned about a young person, encourage them to take the screening and seek professional guidance regardless of the score if symptoms are present.
This screening tool provides a standardized assessment based on your responses, but it’s not perfect. Several factors can affect results:
• Your interpretation of the questions
• Your current state on the day you take it
• Cultural differences in expressing emotions
• Whether you’re experiencing symptoms from another condition
Trust your instincts about your mental health. If you feel you need help, seek professional support regardless of your score. Conversely, if you scored higher than expected but don’t feel it reflects your experience, consider:
• Retaking the screening when feeling more settled
• Discussing your results with a healthcare provider
• Monitoring your symptoms over the next few weeks
A professional evaluation will always be more comprehensive and accurate than any self-assessment tool.
Take Action for Your Mental Health Today
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your mental health matters, and support is available.
