This is a screening tool for depression (major depressive disorder), designed for anyone experiencing persistent sadness, low mood, or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. The assessment takes approximately 3-5 minutes to complete and is based on the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), the most widely used and validated depression screening tool used by healthcare professionals across Canada and internationally. Your responses are completely anonymous and confidential. Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a difficult day. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), it is a serious medical condition involving persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, and other symptoms that significantly interfere with daily life for at least two weeks.
Important Disclaimer
Please note: This is a screening tool only and does not provide a diagnosis. Depression is a highly treatable medical condition—recovery is absolutely possible with proper support. We strongly encourage you to discuss your results with your family doctor or a mental health professional. If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please seek immediate help. All responses are anonymous and confidential.
Understanding Depression
What is Depression?
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common but serious mood disorder that profoundly affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. Research from Canadian mental health organizations shows that approximately 1 in 8 Canadians will experience major depression at some point in their lifetime.
Common symptoms include:
Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
Significant changes in appetite or unintended weight changes
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleeping too much)
Fatigue or noticeable loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, or self-blame
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Types of depression:
Major depression: Severe symptoms lasting at least two weeks
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): Lower-grade depression lasting two years or more
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Depression occurring during winter months
Postpartum depression: Following childbirth (requires separate specialized screening)
Bipolar depression: Depression episodes occurring as part of bipolar disorder (see separate screening)
Depression vs Normal Sadness
Everyone experiences sadness or difficult emotions sometimes, but clinical depression is fundamentally different. Depression lasts for weeks or months, not just a few days; significantly interferes with work, relationships, and daily activities; feels overwhelming and uncontrollable; and doesn’t improve with time alone without proper treatment.
The Screening Test
Instructions
To complete this assessment accurately, think about your experiences during the past two weeks. Rate honestly how often you have experienced each symptom described. Being honest helps identify whether you need professional support and what type of help might be most beneficial. Please answer all questions for the most accurate results.
Important: Depression is not a sign of weakness or something you can simply “snap out of.” It is a legitimate medical condition that responds very well to appropriate evidence-based treatment.
Rating scale: For each question below, rate how often you have experienced this symptom over the past 2 weeks:
Not at all (0 points) – You have not experienced this
Several days (1 point) – You experienced this on some days
More than half the days (2 points) – You experienced this more often than not
Nearly every day (3 points) – You experienced this almost daily
The 9 PHQ Questions
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things
2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
4. Feeling tired or having little energy
5. Poor appetite or overeating
6. Feeling bad about yourself
7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television
8. Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed, or the opposite – being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual
9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself in some way
⚠️ CRITICAL SAFETY NOTICE
If you answered anything other than “Not at all” to Question 9, please seek help immediately:
Kids Help Phone (under 25): 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if in immediate danger
Tell someone you trust right now
Results & Interpretation
How Scoring Works
Add up your total score from all 9 questions. Your total possible score ranges from 0 to 27 points.
Score interpretation:
0-4 points: Minimal or no depression
5-9 points: Mild depression
10-14 points: Moderate depression
15-19 points: Moderately severe depression
20-27 points: Severe depression
Important: Any score greater than 0 on Question 9 (thoughts of self-harm or suicide) requires immediate professional attention, regardless of your total score.
If You Scored 15-27 (Moderately Severe to Severe)
What this means: Your responses indicate you are experiencing significant symptoms of depression that are likely substantially affecting your daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life. Professional help is strongly recommended and should be sought promptly.
Next steps – Act now:
Book an urgent appointment with your family doctor or nurse practitioner
Be completely honest about your depression symptoms and their severity
Request a comprehensive assessment for depression and discuss treatment options
If feeling unsafe or having suicidal thoughts, contact crisis services or go to emergency
Bring your screening results to help explain your symptoms
Go to your nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 if in immediate danger
Tell someone you trust—a family member, friend, or colleague
Contact your family doctor for an emergency appointment
If You Scored 10-14 (Moderate Depression)
What this means: You are experiencing moderate depression symptoms that are affecting your quality of life, functioning, and wellbeing. Professional treatment can help significantly and improve your symptoms.
Next steps:
Book an appointment with your family doctor to discuss your symptoms
Be open and honest about what you are experiencing
Discuss treatment options including therapy and possibly medication
Self-help strategies alongside professional treatment may also be beneficial
Treatment options available:
Guided self-help programmes or online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Face-to-face individual therapy or counselling
Group therapy or support groups
Antidepressant medication if clinically appropriate
Referral to community mental health services
If You Scored 5-9 (Mild Depression)
What this means: You are experiencing mild depression symptoms that are affecting your mood and daily life. Early intervention and treatment can prevent symptoms from worsening over time.
Next steps:
Schedule an appointment with your family doctor to discuss your mood and symptoms
Monitor your symptoms carefully—seek professional help if they worsen
Consider counselling or therapy to address underlying issues
Self-help approaches that research shows can help:
Regular physical exercise (proven to improve depression symptoms)
Establish and maintain a consistent sleep routine
Maintain social connections and meaningful relationships
Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption (alcohol worsens depression)
Create structured daily activities and routines
Practice stress management and relaxation techniques
If You Scored 0-4 (Minimal Depression)
What this means: You are not currently showing significant signs of clinical depression. However, if you remain concerned about your mood, emotions, or mental health, it is still appropriate to speak with a healthcare professional.
Stay mentally well:
Maintain a healthy lifestyle including exercise, sleep, and nutrition
Develop effective stress management strategies
Stay socially connected with friends, family, and community
Seek help promptly if depression symptoms develop in the future
Be aware of your mental health and practice self-care regularly
Getting Help & Treatment
Effective Treatments for Depression
Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. Research from Canadian mental health centres shows that approximately 80-90% of people with depression respond well to appropriate evidence-based treatment.
Talking Therapies:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): The most effective psychotherapy for depression; helps identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier thinking habits
Counselling: Provides a supportive, confidential space to explore feelings and experiences
Interpersonal Therapy: Focuses on addressing relationship issues and interpersonal conflicts
Behavioural Activation: Systematically and gradually increases meaningful activities and engagement
Medication:
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): First-line antidepressants commonly prescribed in Canada including sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Cipralex)
SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): For some individuals, including venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Takes typically 2-6 weeks to notice therapeutic effects
Usually prescribed for 6-12 months minimum after symptoms improve
Side effects often improve after the first 2-3 weeks of treatment
Which treatment approach?
Mild depression: Psychotherapy or structured self-help as first-line treatment
Moderate depression: Psychotherapy and/or medication, depending on individual factors
Severe depression: Usually combination treatment with both therapy and medication
Other evidence-based approaches:
Regular physical exercise (research shows it’s as effective as antidepressants for mild to moderate depression)
Light therapy specifically for seasonal affective disorder
Peer support groups for connection and shared experiences
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and meditation practices
Finding Help in Canada
Your Family Doctor: Your first step for depression assessment and treatment. They can prescribe antidepressants, provide referrals to mental health professionals and therapy services, and monitor your progress and medication effects over time.
Provincial Mental Health Services:
Community mental health centres offering counselling and therapy
Provincial health insurance covers physician and hospital-based mental health services
Some provinces offer limited publicly funded psychotherapy
Wait times vary significantly by province and service
Crisis Support Available 24/7:
Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566
Crisis Services Canada: Text 45645 (4pm-12am ET)
Kids Help Phone (youth under 25): 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566
Provincial crisis lines (check your local health authority)
911 for immediate life-threatening emergencies
Private Therapy:
Provides faster access to treatment and more choice of therapist. Search for registered psychologists or psychotherapists through your provincial regulatory college (e.g., College of Psychologists of Ontario, College of Registered Psychotherapists). Many employers provide extended health benefits covering psychological services.
Self-Help Strategies
Things You Can Do Now
Physical Wellbeing:
Exercise: Even brief 10-15 minute walks provide mental health benefits
Sleep routine: Maintain consistent bedtimes and wake times, including weekends
Self-medicating with alcohol or recreational drugs
Abandoning all previously enjoyed activities entirely
Remember – small steps count:
Getting out of bed is a genuine achievement when depressed. Having a shower counts as meaningful progress. Completing one small task per day is enough. Be compassionate and kind to yourself throughout recovery.
For Family & Friends
Supporting Someone with Depression
How to help effectively:
Listen attentively without trying to immediately fix everything
Take their feelings and experiences seriously, even if you don’t fully understand
Gently encourage them to seek professional help and offer to assist
Provide practical help with tasks like booking appointments or preparing meals
Stay in regular contact even if they withdraw or don’t respond initially
Be patient and understanding—recovery is a process that takes time
What to say:
“I’m here for you whenever you need me”
“You’re not alone—I care about you”
“This isn’t your fault, it’s an illness”
“What can I do to help you right now?”
“Would you like me to come with you to an appointment?”
What NOT to say:
“Just cheer up” or “Think positive” (minimizes their struggle)
“Others have it worse than you” (invalidates their pain)
“Have you tried exercise/vitamins/diet?” (implies it’s their fault)
“Snap out of it” (depression is a medical condition, not a choice)
Look after yourself too: Supporting someone experiencing depression can be emotionally draining. Ensure you maintain your own support system, set healthy boundaries, and practice self-care.
Urgent concerns: If they mention suicide, self-harm, or give away possessions, take it extremely seriously and help them access immediate professional support.
When Depression is an Emergency
Seek Immediate Help If:
Call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department:
Active suicidal plans, intent, or preparation
Self-harm behaviour requiring medical attention
Severe self-neglect (not eating, drinking, or maintaining basic hygiene for days)
Psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions
Your family doctor can arrange urgent same-day mental health assessment
Provincial crisis response teams (check your local health authority)
Don’t wait or minimize: Depression can become life-threatening. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, immediate professional help is available, necessary, and can be life-saving.
Scientific Source & Disclaimer
Basis for This Screening
This screening tool is based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a validated and widely used brief depression severity measure.
Reference: Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R.L., & Williams, J.B. (2001). The PHQ-9: Validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606-613.
The PHQ-9 is extensively validated in Canadian populations and is the standard depression screening tool used by family physicians, psychiatrists, and mental health professionals across Canada.
Important Disclaimer
This online screening tool is not a diagnostic instrument and does not provide a clinical diagnosis. It provides guidance and educational information only and cannot replace professional evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider such as a family doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist. Depression is a treatable medical condition requiring proper assessment and care. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, seek immediate help by calling the Canada Suicide Prevention Service (1-833-456-4566), texting Crisis Services Canada (45645), calling 911, or going to your nearest hospital emergency department. Recovery is absolutely possible with proper evidence-based treatment and support. This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. We do not collect, store, or share any personal health information (compliant with Canadian privacy legislation including PIPEDA).
Screening for Mental Health, Inc.
×
