Your Quiz Score: {quiz_score}

Interpreting Your Score

Your responses have given you a score of {quiz_score}. Here’s what your score suggests about your current mental health state:

• Score 1-4 (Minimal Depression): Your score indicates minimal signs of depression. While everyone has bad days or moments of feeling down, your responses suggest these feelings are not significantly impacting your daily life. It’s important to continue monitoring your mental health and practicing self-care. If you ever feel your mood is affecting your quality of life, consider reaching out for support.
• Score 5-9 (Mild Depression): Your score suggests mild depression. You might be experiencing some symptoms that impact your life, but they may not be constant or severely limiting. It can be beneficial to explore coping strategies, such as mindfulness or talking to someone you trust about how you’re feeling. Therapy could also provide support and help you develop effective coping mechanisms.
• Score 10-14 (Moderate Depression): With your score indicating moderate depression, you may be finding that your symptoms are increasingly affecting your daily activities and overall happiness. Seeking professional help can make a significant difference. A therapist can work with you to address your feelings and develop strategies to manage and improve your mental health.
• Score 15-19 (Moderately Severe Depression): Your score points to moderately severe depression. Symptoms might be making it difficult for you to function normally in your daily life. This level of depression is significant, but with the right treatment plan, including therapy and possibly medication, you can regain control over your mood and life. We strongly encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional for a comprehensive evaluation.
• Score 20-27 (Severe Depression): Your responses indicate severe depression. It’s critical to seek help from a mental health professional as soon as possible. Severe depression is a highly treatable condition, and there are many effective options available, including counseling, medication, and supportive resources. Please consider contacting a healthcare provider immediately for support.

Next Steps

Remember, this quiz is a tool to help you better understand your feelings and is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. If you need immediate assistance, please contact a mental health hotline or emergency services.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

FAQs About Depression and Depression Treatment

1. What is depression?

Depression is a common and serious mood disorder that negatively affects how you feel, think, and act. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

2. How do I know if I have depression or just temporary sadness?

Temporary sadness is a normal emotion that usually passes with time. Depression, however, is marked by a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest that lasts for two weeks or more, significantly interfering with daily life. The PHQ-9 quiz can help identify symptoms of depression.

3. Can depression be treated?

Yes, depression is highly treatable. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support groups. The best approach often depends on the individual and the severity of their depression.

4. What is the difference between depression and anxiety?

While depression and anxiety are different conditions, they often occur together. Depression is primarily characterized by sadness and loss of interest, while anxiety involves excessive worry and fear. Both impact daily functioning and can be treated with similar methods.

5. How does the PHQ-9 help in understanding depression?

The PHQ-9 is a self-administered questionnaire used to screen for depression and measure its severity. It helps individuals and healthcare providers understand if depressive symptoms are present and gauge their intensity.

6. What should I do if my PHQ-9 score indicates depression?

If your PHQ-9 score suggests depression, consider scheduling an appointment with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation. They can confirm a diagnosis and discuss suitable treatment options with you.

7. Is medication always necessary for treating depression?

Not always. The necessity for medication depends on the severity and duration of symptoms, as well as individual preferences and medical history. Some people benefit from therapy alone, while others may require medication to manage their depression.

8. Can lifestyle changes impact depression?

Yes, lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and reducing alcohol and drug use can have a positive impact on depression symptoms.

9. How long does it take for depression treatment to work?

The time it takes for treatment to begin having an effect varies. Medications can take several weeks to start working, and psychotherapy may require multiple sessions before improvements are noticed. It’s important to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider throughout the process.

10. Is my privacy protected when taking the PHQ-9 depression quiz?

Yes, your privacy and confidentiality are paramount. Any information you provide while taking the PHQ-9 quiz is handled with the utmost care and respect, ensuring your personal data remains secure and private.