Am I Depressed?

Signs You May Be Experiencing Depression

If you're asking yourself "am I depressed?", you've likely noticed changes in how you feel and function. Here are the key symptoms to recognize:

Emotional Symptoms

• Persistent sadness — Feeling down most of the day, nearly every day
• Loss of interest — Things you once enjoyed no longer bring pleasure
• Hopelessness — Feeling like things won't get better
• Emptiness — A sense of emotional numbness or void
• Guilt or worthlessness — Harsh self-criticism without clear cause

Physical Symptoms

• Sleep changes — Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Appetite changes — Eating much more or much less than usual
• Fatigue — Feeling exhausted even after rest
• Psychomotor changes — Moving or speaking noticeably slower (or restlessness)
• Physical aches — Unexplained headaches, stomach issues, or body pain

Cognitive Symptoms

• Difficulty concentrating — Trouble focusing or making decisions
• Memory problems — Forgetting things more than usual
• Negative thinking — Pessimistic thought patterns that feel automatic
• Thoughts of death — Recurring thoughts about death or self-harm

The PHQ-9: How Depression is Screened

Our quiz is based on the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), a clinically validated screening tool used by healthcare providers worldwide. It measures how often you've experienced nine core depression symptoms over the past two weeks:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I'm depressed?

Signs of depression include persistent sadness lasting more than two weeks, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of death or self-harm.

What's the difference between sadness and depression?

Sadness is a temporary emotion triggered by specific events and typically improves with time. Depression is a persistent condition lasting at least two weeks that affects your ability to function, involves physical symptoms, and doesn't always have a clear cause. Read our full guide on depression vs sadness.

Can depression go away on its own?

While some episodes of depression may improve without treatment, professional help significantly increases recovery chances and prevents recurrence. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.

What causes depression?

Depression results from a combination of factors including genetics, brain chemistry, life events, medical conditions, and thought patterns developed over time. It's not a character flaw or weakness.

Related Assessments

• Full Depression Test — Extended PHQ screening with 18 questions
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• Free Schema Test — Discover emotional patterns from childhood
• Free Attachment Style Test — Understand your relationship patterns