Depression Test – Check Your Mental Health

This screening tool helps assess symptoms of depression (major depressive disorder). If you’ve been experiencing persistent sadness, low mood, or loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, this test can provide insight into whether you might benefit from professional support. The assessment takes just 3-5 minutes to complete and is based on the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), the most widely used depression screening tool by healthcare professionals worldwide. Your responses are completely anonymous and confidential.

What is depression? Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a bad day. It’s a serious medical condition involving persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, and other symptoms that interfere with daily life for at least two weeks.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer:

• This is not a diagnosis – it’s a screening tool only
• Depression is treatable – recovery is possible
• Please discuss your results with your GP or mental health professional
• If you’re having suicidal thoughts, seek immediate help
• Your responses are anonymous and confidential

Understanding Depression 

What is Depression?

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common but serious mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities.

Common symptoms:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Sleep problems (too much or too little)
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Types of depression:

• Major depression: Severe symptoms lasting at least two weeks
• Persistent depressive disorder: Lower-grade depression lasting two years or more
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Depression during winter months
• Postnatal depression: After having a baby (see separate screening)
• Bipolar depression: Part of bipolar disorder (see separate screening)

Depression vs Normal Sadness

Everyone feels sad sometimes, but depression is different:

• Lasts for weeks or months, not just days
• Interferes with work, relationships, and daily activities
• Feels overwhelming and uncontrollable
• Doesn’t improve with time alone

The Screening Test

Instructions

How to complete:

• Think about the past two weeks
• Rate how often you’ve experienced each symptom
• Be honest – this helps identify if you need support
• All questions should be answered for accurate results

Important: Depression is not weakness or something you can “snap out of.” It’s a medical condition that responds well to treatment.

Rating Scale

For each question, rate how often you’ve experienced this over the past 2 weeks:

• Not at all (0 points)
• Several days (1 point)
• More than half the days (2 points)
• Nearly every day (3 points)

The 9 PHQ Questions

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?

 ⚠️ CRITICAL: If you answered anything other than “Not at all” to Question 9, please seek help immediately using the crisis resources at the bottom of this page or call 999.

Results & Interpretation

How Scoring Works

Add up your total score from all 9 questions (0-27 possible):

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 on Question 9 (thoughts of self-harm) requires immediate attention, regardless of total score.

If You Scored 15-27 (Moderately Severe to Severe)

What this means: Your responses suggest you’re experiencing significant symptoms of depression that are likely affecting your daily functioning. Professional help is strongly recommended.

Next steps – Act now:

• Book an urgent appointment with your GP
• Explain you’re experiencing depression symptoms
• Request assessment for depression and treatment options
• Consider asking for crisis team referral if feeling unsafe
• Bring your screening results

Treatment typically includes:

• Talking therapy (CBT, counselling)
• Antidepressant medication
• Or combination of both

If you’re having suicidal thoughts:

• Call Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
• Text Shout: 85258
• Go to A&E or call 999 if in immediate danger
• Tell someone you trust

If You Scored 10-14 (Moderate Depression)

What this means: You’re experiencing moderate depression symptoms that are affecting your quality of life. Treatment can help significantly.

Next steps:

• Book an appointment with your GP
• Discuss your symptoms openly
• Consider therapy or medication
• Self-help strategies may also help

Treatment options:

• Guided self-help or online CBT
• Face-to-face therapy
• Antidepressant medication if appropriate
• Support groups

If You Scored 5-9 (Mild Depression)

What this means: You’re experiencing mild depression symptoms. Early intervention can prevent worsening.

Next steps:

• Speak to your GP about your mood
• Try self-help strategies
• Monitor symptoms – seek help if worsening
• Consider counselling or therapy

Self-help approaches:

• Regular exercise (proven to help depression)
• Sleep routine
• Social connection
• Reduce alcohol
• Structured daily activities

If You Scored 0-4 (Minimal Depression)

What this means: You’re not showing significant signs of depression currently. However, if you’re still concerned about your mood, speak to a healthcare professional.

Stay well:

• Maintain healthy lifestyle
• Manage stress
• Stay connected with others
• Seek help if symptoms develop

Getting Help & Treatment 

Effective Treatments for Depression

Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. About 80-90% of people respond well to treatment.

Talking Therapies:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Most effective therapy for depression; challenges negative thought patterns
• Counselling: Provides supportive space to explore feelings
• Interpersonal therapy: Addresses relationship issues
• Behavioural activation: Gradually increases activities

Medication:

• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): First-line antidepressants (e.g., sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram)
• SNRIs: For some people (e.g., venlafaxine)
• Takes 2-6 weeks to feel effects
• Usually taken for 6-12 months minimum
• Side effects usually improve after first few weeks

Which treatment?

• Mild depression: Therapy or self-help first
• Moderate depression: Therapy and/or medication
• Severe depression: Usually both therapy and medication

Other approaches:

• Exercise (as effective as antidepressants for mild-moderate depression)
• Light therapy (for seasonal depression)
• Support groups
• Mindfulness and meditation

Finding Help in the UK

Your GP: First step for depression treatment

• Can prescribe antidepressants
• Refer to talking therapies (IAPT)
• Monitor your progress

NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT):

• Self-referral or GP referral
• Free CBT and counselling
• Usually short waiting times

Crisis support:

• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
• Shout Crisis Text Line: Text “SHOUT” to 85258
• Mind: 0300 123 3393
• NHS 111: For urgent mental health support
• 999 or A&E: For immediate danger

Private therapy:

• Faster access
• More choice of therapist
• Search BACP or BABCP directories

Self-Help Strategies

Things You Can Do Now

Physical Wellbeing:

• Exercise: Even 10-minute walks help.
• Sleep routine: Keep regular bedtimes and wake times.
• Healthy eating: Eat regular meals and limit sugar and caffeine.
• Limit alcohol: Alcohol can make depression worse.
• Sunlight: Get outside daily for natural light and fresh air.
  

Mental Strategies:

• Challenge negative thoughts: Write them down and question their accuracy.
• Behavioural activation: Do small activities even when you don’t feel like it.
• Social connection: Reach out, even if isolating feels easier.
• Mindfulness: Focus on the present moment.
• Routine: Having structure helps when everything feels overwhelming.

What to Avoid:

• Making major life decisions when depressed
• Isolating yourself completely
• Excessive sleep (worsens depression)
• Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs
• Giving up on activities entirely

Small Steps Count:
Getting out of bed is an achievement. Having a shower counts as progress. One small task per day is enough. Be kind to yourself.

For Family & Friends

Supporting Someone with Depression

How to help:

• Listen without trying to fix everything.
• Take their feelings seriously and show understanding.
• Encourage professional help and offer to assist with finding support.
• Help with practical tasks such as appointments or preparing meals.
• Stay in contact even if they withdraw.
• Be patient—recovery takes time.

What to Say:

•  “I’m here for you.”
• “You’re not alone.”
• “This isn’t your fault.”
•  “What can I do to help?”

What Not to Say:

• “Just cheer up.”
•  “Others have it worse.”
• “Have you tried exercise/vitamins?”
• “Snap out of it.”

Look after yourself too: Supporting someone with depression can be emotionally draining. Seek your own support.

Urgent concerns: If they mention suicide or self-harm, take it seriously and help them get immediate support.

When Depression is an Emergency (100 words)

Seek Immediate Help If:

Call 999 or go to A&E if there are:

• Active suicidal plans or intent
• Self-harm requiring medical attention
• Severe self-neglect (not eating or drinking)
• Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions)
• Immediate danger to self or others

Contact Crisis Team:

• Your GP can arrange an urgent mental health assessment
• Crisis Resolution Team (if already under mental health services)
• NHS 111 for urgent mental health advice

Don’t wait: Depression can be life-threatening. If you or someone you know is in crisis, seek immediate help—support is available and necessary.

Scientific Source & Disclaimer

This screening is based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).
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.
Copyright © Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission.

Important Disclaimer:
This online screening tool is not a diagnostic instrument. It provides guidance only and cannot replace professional evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider. Depression is a treatable medical condition. If you experience thoughts of suicide or self-harm, seek help immediately—call Samaritans (116 123), text Shout (85258), call 999, or go to A&E. Recovery is possible with proper treatment. This tool is for informational use only and is GDPR compliant—no personal health information is stored.