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How to Use a Self-Assessment Depression Checklist (Not a Diagnosis)

Tap each step to work through the self-assessment checklist in order.

  1. Understand the purpose and limits of this checklist

    A self-assessment checklist is only a reference tool to help you reflect on your own state and consider whether professional support might help β€” it is not a diagnostic test. A depression diagnosis can only be made through an evaluation by a licensed mental health professional.

  2. Review emotional signs

    Consider whether you've felt persistently sad or empty for most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or more, or whether you've noticed a marked loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy.

  3. Review physical signs

    Check for changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or oversleeping), noticeable changes in appetite or weight, or persistent fatigue and low energy without a clear physical cause.

  4. Review changes in thinking and concentration

    Honestly consider whether you've had trouble concentrating, found it hard to make even small decisions, felt excessive guilt or worthlessness, or had passing thoughts of death or self-harm.

  5. Know when to seek professional help

    If these signs have persisted for two weeks or more and are interfering with your work, studies, or relationships, it's worth seeking a professional evaluation or counseling rather than trying to manage it alone.

  6. Know where to get a proper evaluation

    Community mental health centers often offer free depression screening, and psychiatric clinics or counseling centers can provide a formal evaluation. Your primary care doctor can also be a good first point of contact.

  7. Get help immediately in a crisis

    If you're having strong thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or feel you're in immediate danger, don't wait β€” contact your country's mental health crisis line right away (in the US, call or text 988; in other countries, search for your national crisis or suicide-prevention line), or go to the nearest emergency room.

A checklist result is not a diagnosis β€” please keep that in mind

Online self-assessment tools like this one are meant only as a reference. A high score doesn't mean you definitely have depression, and a low score doesn't rule it out. If you're concerned about your own or a loved one's wellbeing, a conversation with a licensed mental health professional is the only way to get a reliable answer.

You can get screened for free in many places

Many countries and regions offer free depression screening or counseling intake through public mental health centers, university counseling services, or community health programs, so cost doesn't have to be a barrier to getting a proper evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

If my checklist score is high, does that mean I have depression?

No. A checklist is only a reference tool for gauging the possibility of symptoms β€” an actual diagnosis requires a face-to-face evaluation by a licensed mental health professional.

Can I fill this out on behalf of a family member I'm worried about?

You can use it to get a rough sense of the situation, but it's more helpful in practice to encourage that person to seek help directly, or to contact a local mental health service yourself to ask how to support them.