MindgladDepression Test (PHQ-9)
A free, private depression screener based on the clinically validated PHQ-9. Answer nine gentle questions and get your score, what it means, and kind next steps — in about 2 minutes. No sign-up, and nothing leaves your device.
What the PHQ-9 depression test measures
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is one of the most trusted depression screeners in the world, used by doctors and therapists every day. It looks at how often, over the last two weeks, nine common symptoms of depression have been bothering you — low mood, loss of interest, changes in sleep and appetite, low energy, difficulty concentrating, and more. Each answer scores from 0 to 3, so your total lands somewhere between 0 and 27.
It’s designed to be quick and honest. There are no trick questions, and no “right” answers — just a way to put words to how you’ve been feeling, which is often the hardest first step.
Reading your score with kindness
Your total maps to five bands: 0–4 minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, and 20–27 severe. A higher number simply means symptoms have been showing up more often or more intensely lately — it isn’t a label, and it isn’t permanent. People move between these bands all the time, especially with support.
Please hold your result loosely. A questionnaire can’t see the full picture of your life, your history, or everything you’re carrying. It’s a snapshot, meant to help you decide whether it’s time to talk to someone — not a diagnosis.
What helps, and when to reach out for support
For milder symptoms, small and steady things genuinely move the needle: protecting your sleep, gentle daily movement, time outdoors, staying connected to people who care about you, and brief moments of calm that quiet a racing, self-critical mind. For moderate or higher scores — or if low mood has stuck around for more than a couple of weeks — talking to a doctor or therapist is a caring, practical next step. Effective help exists, and asking for it is a sign of strength, not weakness.
And if you ever have thoughts of being better off dead or of hurting yourself: you’re not alone, and help is available right now. In the US, call or text 988for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (free, confidential, 24/7). Anywhere else, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis line in your country.
Depression test FAQ
What is the PHQ-9 depression test?
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a widely used, clinically validated screening tool for depression. It asks how often, over the last two weeks, you’ve been bothered by nine specific symptoms — things like low mood, loss of interest, sleep changes, and low energy. Each is scored 0 to 3, giving a total from 0 to 27 that maps to a severity band. Clinicians around the world use it to gauge depression and track how symptoms change over time.
Is this depression test a diagnosis?
No. This is an educational self-screener, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose depression — they’ll consider your history, the full context of your life, and rule out other causes. Think of your score as a helpful snapshot to bring to that conversation, not a verdict. If your result concerns you, please reach out to a doctor or therapist.
How is my depression score calculated?
Each of the nine questions is scored from 0 (“Not at all”) to 3 (“Nearly every day”). We add them up for a total between 0 and 27. The bands are: 0–4 minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, and 20–27 severe. Higher scores suggest more frequent or intense symptoms — but a number can never capture the whole of what you’re going through.
Is this test private and anonymous?
Completely. Everything runs in your browser. Your answers are never sent to a server, saved to an account, or shared with anyone. There’s no sign-up and nothing to download. When you close the page, your responses are gone.
What should I do if my score is high — or I’m having dark thoughts?
A higher score is a sign that talking to someone could really help — start with your doctor or a mental-health professional. And if you’re having any thoughts of being better off dead or of hurting yourself, please reach out right now: in the US, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free and confidential, 24/7), or contact your local emergency services. You deserve support, and it’s available.
This tool is for general wellbeing and education only. It is not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose depression or any other condition — only a qualified healthcare professional can do that. If you’re struggling, please reach out to a doctor or therapist. If you’re in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 in the US (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or contact your local emergency services.