Depression Self-Assessment
A brief educational screening tool designed to help you better understand symptoms commonly associated with depression and determine whether additional support may be beneficial.
Estimate Your Daily Protein Needs
Understanding Depression Symptoms
Depression is more than simply feeling sad. It can affect mood, energy, motivation, sleep, concentration, appetite, and overall quality of life. Symptoms may develop gradually and can look different from person to person.
The PHQ-9 is one of the most widely used and clinically validated screening tools for identifying symptoms of depression. While this assessment is not a diagnosis, it can provide helpful insight into how symptoms may be affecting your daily life and whether it may be appropriate to seek further evaluation.
Depression Self-Assessment
PHQ-9 Depression Screening Tool
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?
This screening tool is intended for educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis or substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, call 988 or seek emergency support immediately.
Understanding Your Score
Your results provide a general indication of the frequency and severity of depression-related symptoms over the past two weeks.
0–4 Minimal symptoms
5–9 Mild symptoms
10–14 Moderate symptom
15–19 Moderately severe symptoms
20–27 Severe symptoms
A higher score may suggest that depression symptoms are having a greater impact on your mood, energy, motivation, sleep, concentration, or daily functioning.
This screening tool is intended to support self-awareness and should not be used as a substitute for a professional evaluation.
When Should I Seek Support?
If symptoms have persisted for several weeks, are interfering with your relationships, work, daily responsibilities, or overall wellbeing, it may be helpful to speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
Seeking support early can help identify appropriate treatment options and provide guidance tailored to your individual needs.
If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or believe you may be in immediate danger, call 911, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or seek emergency medical care immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. The PHQ-9 is a validated screening questionnaire that helps identify symptoms commonly associated with depression. It does not diagnose depression or replace a comprehensive medical evaluation.
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A higher score may indicate that additional evaluation would be beneficial. Scheduling an appointment with a qualified healthcare professional can help determine the most appropriate next steps.
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Many individuals experience meaningful improvement with appropriate treatment. Depending on the individual, care may include therapy, lifestyle modifications, medication, ketamine therapy when appropriate, or other evidence-based approaches.
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You may choose to repeat the assessment periodically to monitor changes in symptoms over time. If your symptoms worsen or become difficult to manage, professional evaluation is recommended.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you've been experiencing persistent symptoms of depression, low motivation, or emotional exhaustion, you don't have to navigate it alone.
At Z&Z Wellness, every consultation begins with understanding your unique experience, goals, and overall wellbeing. Zahida personally reviews consultation requests and works with you to determine the most appropriate next steps for your care.