Below Given Free Test Depression Symptoms Know Start

Free Depression Symptoms Quiz (PHQ-9)
Take this confidential self-assessment to explore whether you may be experiencing symptoms of depression. Based on the clinically validated PHQ-9.
What Is Depression?
Depression is more than feeling sad. It is a serious but treatable mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It can lead to emotional and physical problems, and it may reduce a person’s ability to function at work or home. According to the World Health Organization, more than 280 million people around the world suffer from depression.
At ProThots, we believe that the first step toward healing is awareness. That’s why we’ve created this Free Depression Symptoms Quiz, designed to help individuals better understand what they may be experiencing. This quiz is based on the widely used PHQ-9 — a clinically validated screening tool trusted by mental health professionals around the world.
What Is the PHQ-9?
The PHQ-9 stands for the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, a brief self-assessment tool used to screen, diagnose, and measure the severity of depression. It consists of 9 questions, each corresponding to symptoms of depression defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Each question asks how often you’ve experienced certain symptoms over the past two weeks — such as lack of interest in activities, sleep problems, fatigue, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, or thoughts of self-harm. An additional question measures how much these symptoms interfere with your life.
Who Should Take the Depression Quiz?
The Depression Symptoms Quiz on ProThots is designed for anyone who:
- Feels persistently sad, anxious, or empty
- Struggles with energy, focus, or motivation
- Has trouble sleeping or sleeps too much
- Loses interest in hobbies, work, or relationships
- Feels worthless or hopeless
- Is concerned about their mental health and wants clarity
Whether you’re just beginning to question your emotional state or looking for a second opinion before speaking to a therapist, this quiz is a helpful and informative first step.
How the Depression Quiz Works
The quiz asks you to reflect on how frequently you’ve experienced 9 core symptoms of depression over the past two weeks. You’ll answer each question on a 4-point scale:
- 0 – Not at all
- 1 – Several days
- 2 – More than half the days
- 3 – Nearly every day
Once you’ve completed all 9 questions, you’ll be asked how these symptoms have affected your ability to function in your daily life. Your total score will then place you in one of the following categories:
Score | Depression Severity |
---|---|
0–4 | Minimal or None |
5–9 | Mild |
10–14 | Moderate |
15–19 | Moderately Severe |
20–27 | Severe |
This score, along with your final impact response, gives you a snapshot of your emotional well-being. It’s important to remember that this is not a diagnosis. Only a qualified healthcare provider can diagnose depression, but this quiz can be a powerful tool to begin that journey.
Benefits of Taking a Depression Quiz
1. Self-Awareness
Many people don’t realize they’re living with depression. Symptoms can creep in gradually and feel like “just stress” or “burnout.” Taking this quiz can shine a light on what you’re really feeling and help you put a name to those experiences.
2. Accessible and Private
The quiz is completely free, requires no login, and can be taken from the privacy of your home. This accessibility is key, especially for people who are not yet ready to speak with someone or may not have access to professional help.
3. Scientifically Backed
Our quiz uses the PHQ-9 framework, one of the most widely validated depression screening tools. It’s trusted by doctors, therapists, and researchers for its accuracy and reliability.
4. Immediate Results
No waiting, no emails, no follow-up forms. You get a clear, easy-to-understand score and explanation as soon as you finish.
5. Helps You Prepare for Professional Help
If you do choose to speak with a therapist or doctor, you can use your quiz results to start the conversation. It gives professionals a baseline to understand what you’re going through.
Signs You Might Be Experiencing Depression
You might want to take this quiz if you:
- Feel sad or down most days
- Avoid things you used to enjoy
- Experience sleep changes (too little or too much)
- Feel fatigued or unmotivated, even after rest
- Blame yourself or feel like a failure
- Struggle to concentrate or make decisions
- Think life feels pointless or hopeless
Tips for Managing Depression Symptoms
Whether your quiz results show minimal symptoms or something more serious, there are steps you can take to support your mental health. These strategies are not replacements for therapy or medical care, but they can make a meaningful difference:
1. Talk to Someone You Trust
Opening up to a friend, family member, or counselor can be a major relief. You don’t have to go through it alone.
2. Set a Routine
Depression can disrupt sleep and motivation. Setting a regular schedule for meals, movement, and rest can help stabilize your mood.
3. Move Your Body
Exercise releases endorphins, your brain’s natural feel-good chemicals. A short walk, stretching, or dancing in your room can uplift your energy.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
Depression often comes with negative self-talk. Be kind to yourself. Speak to yourself the way you’d speak to a friend.
5. Limit Social Media
If scrolling makes you feel worse, take a break. Spend time offline doing something relaxing or creative.
6. Eat Nourishing Foods
A balanced diet helps brain function and energy. Avoid too much caffeine or sugar, which can increase mood swings.
7. Seek Professional Help
If your symptoms persist or worsen, reach out to a therapist, counselor, or doctor. Getting help is a sign of strength — not weakness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Depression Quiz a diagnosis?
No. It is a screening tool based on the PHQ-9. While it can help you recognize symptoms, only a qualified mental health provider can diagnose depression.
Will my quiz answers be stored?
No. At ProThots, your privacy is respected. This quiz does not collect, store, or share any of your responses.
Can teens take the quiz?
Yes. The quiz is appropriate for teenagers and adults. If you’re a parent concerned about your child, feel free to take the quiz on their behalf or guide them through it.
What should I do if my score is high?
If you score in the moderate to severe range, consider speaking to a licensed therapist, counselor, or mental health clinic. They can provide proper evaluation and support.
What to Do After Taking the Quiz
Once you complete the quiz and see your results, here’s what we recommend:
- If your results show mild to moderate symptoms, consider self-help tools such as journaling, therapy apps, lifestyle changes, or online counseling.
- If your results show severe symptoms or thoughts of self-harm, please seek immediate help. Reach out to a local mental health provider, hospital, or crisis line.
- Use your results as a journal entry or printout to discuss with a therapist.
- Bookmark this page and retake the quiz weekly to track how you’re feeling.
How ProThots Supports Your Mental Wellness
At ProThots, we are passionate about making mental health tools and information more accessible, compassionate, and effective. We offer:
- Free, expert-backed self-assessment quizzes
- Articles on emotional health, self-care, and recovery
- Resources to connect with professionals and support groups
- A stigma-free space to explore your thoughts and feelings
Depression can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Millions of people have walked this road — and found healing, joy, and purpose again. Taking this quiz is one small but powerful step in that direction.
Take the First Step Today
If you’ve been feeling emotionally drained, disconnected, or unlike yourself — take a few minutes to complete the Depression Symptoms Quiz. You deserve clarity, care, and support.
Your mind matters. Your feelings are valid. And ProThots is here to help you understand them.