Understand Your Mental Health
Take our free, confidential depression screening to assess your symptoms and get resources.
About Our Depression Test
Our Free Depression Test is based on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a clinically-validated tool used by healthcare professionals worldwide to assess depression symptoms. This screening can help you understand whether you might be experiencing symptoms of depression.
This assessment is completely anonymous, free, and takes only a few minutes to complete. Your responses are not stored or shared with anyone. While this test can indicate possible depression, it is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.
How the Depression Test Works
Our depression screening follows these simple steps:
- Start the test: Click the "Start Depression Test" button to begin
- Answer questions honestly: Respond to 9 questions about how you've been feeling over the last two weeks
- Get immediate results: Receive a score that indicates the severity of depressive symptoms
- Access resources: Get information about next steps and support resources
The PHQ-9 questionnaire is one of the most widely used tools in clinical practice and research for screening, diagnosing, monitoring, and measuring the severity of depression.
FAQ About Depression Test
Is this depression test really free?
Yes, our depression screening is completely free with no hidden costs or registration requirements.
Is my privacy protected?
Absolutely. We don't store your answers or results. The test runs entirely in your browser, and no data is sent to our servers.
How accurate is this test?
The PHQ-9 has been validated in numerous clinical studies and is widely used by healthcare professionals. However, it is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument.
What should I do if my score indicates depression?
We provide resources and suggestions based on your results. We always recommend consulting with a healthcare professional for a formal assessment.
Can I retake the test?
Yes, you can retake the test as often as you like. Some people find it helpful to track their symptoms over time.
Is this test suitable for everyone?
The PHQ-9 is designed for adults 18 and older. For children and adolescents, different screening tools are more appropriate.
Understanding Depression
Depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. It's a serious mental health condition that requires understanding and medical care. Left untreated, depression can be devastating for those who have it and their families.
Common symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or oversleeping)
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
If you're experiencing several of these symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you might be experiencing depression.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your test results suggest you might be experiencing depression, or if you're concerned about your mental health for any reason, we encourage you to:
- Talk to your primary care physician: They can rule out other medical conditions and provide referrals
- Consult a mental health professional: Psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists are trained to diagnose and treat depression
- Contact a crisis helpline: If you're in distress, call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Reach out to trusted friends or family: Social support is important for mental health
Remember that depression is a treatable condition. With proper care, most people with depression can improve and regain quality of life.