Am I Depressed? Free Quiz
Something feels off. Maybe you've been waking up already tired, going through the motions of your day without really being in it. Maybe the things that used to bring you joy feel flat now. Maybe you've been asking yourself: is this just a rough patch, or is something actually wrong?
This free quiz uses the PHQ-9 — the same 9-question screening tool used by doctors in primary care offices around the world. It won't give you a diagnosis, but it will give you a clearer picture of what you're experiencing and whether it's worth talking to someone about.
Your answers are scored entirely in your browser. Nothing is stored or shared.
Last updated: March 16, 2026
A PHQ-9-based depression screening in accessible quiz format that measures symptom severity over the past two weeks.
Anyone wondering whether what they are feeling might be depression and wanting a quick validated check.
Depression is common and treatable — a high score means talking to a professional could help. This tool is for informational purposes only. Not a substitute for professional mental health treatment.
What Is the Depression Self-Assessment Quiz?
How Is the Depression Quiz Scored?
What Do My Depression Quiz Results Mean?
PHQ-9 Depression Self-Check
A widely used, validated screening questionnaire that helps you reflect on depressive symptoms over the past two weeks. Your answers stay in your browser and are never stored.
Last updated: March 16, 2026
Before you begin
This self-check uses the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a validated screening instrument developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, and Kroenke and placed in the public domain.
Please understand:
- This is not a diagnosis and does not replace professional evaluation.
- Results are educational only — they describe symptom levels, not clinical conditions.
- Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose or treat conditions.
- Your answers are processed entirely in your browser and are never stored or transmitted.
- If you are in immediate danger or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact emergency services or a crisis hotline now.
Understanding Your Score
| Score | Level | Suggested Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal / None | No action needed; monitor if symptoms change |
| 5–9 | Mild | Watchful waiting; consider lifestyle changes |
| 10–14 | Moderate | Consider speaking with a doctor or therapist |
| 15–19 | Moderately Severe | Active treatment recommended |
| 20–27 | Severe | Immediate professional evaluation recommended |
Common Signs of Depression
Depression shows up differently in different people. Some common signs include:
A clinical diagnosis of major depressive disorder requires at least 5 of these symptoms present most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks — and at least one must be depressed mood or loss of interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I'm depressed or just sad?
Sadness is a normal emotion that typically passes within days and is usually linked to a specific event. Depression is a persistent pattern — lasting two weeks or more — that affects your mood, energy, sleep, appetite, concentration, and sense of self-worth. Depression can occur without an obvious cause and often doesn't lift on its own. If you've felt low, empty, or hopeless most of the day, nearly every day, for more than two weeks, it's worth speaking with a healthcare professional.
What does this quiz actually measure?
This quiz uses the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), a validated 9-question screening tool developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, and Kroenke. It is one of the most widely used depression screening instruments in the world, used in primary care, hospitals, and research settings. It measures nine core symptoms of major depressive disorder over the past two weeks and produces a score from 0 to 27.
What do the results mean?
Scores are interpreted as: 0–4 (minimal or no depression), 5–9 (mild depression), 10–14 (moderate depression), 15–19 (moderately severe depression), and 20–27 (severe depression). A score of 10 or above is typically used as a threshold for further clinical evaluation. Remember: this quiz is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Only a licensed clinician can diagnose depression.
Can I be depressed even if my life looks good from the outside?
Absolutely. Depression is a medical condition, not a response to circumstances. People with stable jobs, loving relationships, and comfortable lives can experience clinical depression. Depression involves changes in brain chemistry, not just life events. This is one reason it's important to take symptoms seriously regardless of whether you think you 'have a reason' to feel this way.
What should I do if my score suggests depression?
If your score is 10 or above, consider scheduling an appointment with your primary care doctor or a mental health professional. Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions — effective options include therapy (especially CBT), medication, lifestyle changes, and support groups. If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline immediately by calling or texting 988.
Is this quiz private?
Yes. Your answers are scored entirely in your browser. Nothing is sent to any server, stored in a database, or connected to your identity. There is no account, no login, and no way for anyone to see your results.
Crisis Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 — free, 24/7, confidential
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 — free, 24/7
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 — free referrals, 24/7
This quiz is for educational and informational purposes only — it is not a diagnosis. Only a licensed healthcare professional can diagnose depression. Your responses are processed entirely in your browser and are never stored or transmitted.
Reviewed by a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC-II).
Last reviewed: March 2026