Feeling down or losing interest in things you usually enjoy can happen to anyone. But when these feelings persist for two weeks or more and interfere with your daily life, it might be a sign of depression. Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. Our Mood & Depression Checker uses the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a widely used screening tool, to help you assess your symptoms.
About the PHQ-9 Questionnaire
The PHQ-9 asks about the frequency of nine common symptoms of depression over the past two weeks. Each answer is assigned a point value (0-3), and the total score helps indicate the potential severity of depressive symptoms.
- Interest/Pleasure: Lack of enjoyment in activities.
- Mood: Feeling sad, down, or hopeless.
- Sleep: Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
- Energy: Feeling tired or lacking energy.
- Appetite: Changes in appetite or weight.
- Self-Esteem: Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
- Concentration: Trouble focusing or making decisions.
- Pacing/Restlessness: Moving slowly or being unusually fidgety.
- Suicidal Thoughts: Thoughts of self-harm or death.
Understanding Your Score
The total score provides a preliminary indication of symptom severity:
- 0-4: Minimal or no symptoms.
- 5-9: Mild symptoms.
- 10-14: Moderate symptoms.
- 15-19: Moderately severe symptoms.
- 20-27: Severe symptoms.
Crucially, any score above 0 on Question 9 (thoughts of self-harm) requires immediate attention and discussion with a healthcare professional, regardless of the total score.
Why Screening Matters, Especially During Pregnancy & Postpartum
Hormonal shifts during pregnancy and the postpartum period can increase the risk of depression (perinatal depression). Recognizing symptoms early is vital for both the parent's and baby's well-being. Untreated depression can affect bonding, infant development, and overall family health. Screening tools like the PHQ-9 can help start important conversations with healthcare providers.
Important Disclaimer & Seeking Help
This checker is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose depression. If you score in the moderate to severe range, or if you have any thoughts of self-harm (Question 9), it is essential to seek professional help immediately. Talk to your doctor, a mental health professional, or contact a crisis hotline. You don't have to go through this alone, and effective treatments are available.