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Your unique answers will then be used to calculate your results and determine whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. Your results will show further unique educational information, and all results are strictly confidential. Please note: This self-assessment is not intended to estab­lish a physician-patient rela­tion­ship, to replace the ser­vices of a trained physi­cian or health care pro­fes­sional, or to otherwise be a sub­sti­tute for pro­fes­sional med­ical advice, diag­no­sis, or treatment. The aim of this quiz is to provide education about the condition. By filling out this self-assessment and clicking “Submit,” you acknowledge that you’ve read and agree with this statement and agree to re-origin’s [Terms & Conditions](https://www.re-origin.com/terms-conditions). ## What is Depression? At some point in their lives, everyone will experience sadness. However, when low mood persists for weeks and begins interfering with daily functioning, it may indicate a depressive disorder rather than temporary sadness. Depression is a treatable mental health condition that affects mood, thinking patterns, energy levels, and behavior. In this article you’ll find information about depression—common causes, symptoms, and ways to address it. You’ll also find a brief depression test that you can take to assess whether you may be experiencing mild, moderate, or severe symptoms of depression. Keep in mind this is not a replacement for medical diagnosis but more of a useful guide. You may also use this depression test periodically to determine whether your condition is improving based on your chosen interventions. You’ll also learn how chronic stress can impact the brain and nervous system, contributing to ongoing low mood and emotional exhaustion. This is why re-origin has assembled a team of clinical psychologists and neuroscientists to create the best [**brain retraining program**](https://www.re-origin.com/program) that can help people normalize their function, return to a state of calm, and allow their brain to naturally begin producing its feel-good neurotransmitters again. ## How Do I Know If I Have Depression? All of us will occasionally feel hopeless, sad, or depressed. These are normal and natural responses to challenging events and circumstances. But when these emotions persist long beyond the stressful events and evolve into overwhelming weights or begin causing physical symptoms, they can hinder us from living a normal, active, joyful life. If you’re feeling this way, it may be an indication that it’s time to seek help. If you suspect you may be suffering from depression, the first place to go is your regular doctor. There they can properly assess you for clinical depression and begin to develop a plan to help manage symptoms. If left untreated, clinical depression may worsen and last for months, if not years. Recognizing symptoms of depression is vital in order to begin managing symptoms and feeling like yourself again. Some common symptoms of depression include: - Brain fog such as trouble concentrating, recalling details, and making decisions - Fatigue or little energy - Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness - Hopelessness - Finding little interest in things that previously were enjoyable - Insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep) - Sleeping too much - Irritability - Overeating or poor appetite - Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities - Appetite increase or decrease - Headaches, body aches, or cramps - Digestive issues - Persistent sad, empty, or anxious feelings - Suicidal thoughts or actions While occasional sadness is normal, depression typically affects multiple areas of life, including sleep, energy, concentration, appetite, and motivation. ## Take the Depression Self-Assessment While not meant to serve as a replacement for a diagnosis of clinical depression given by a mental health professional, this quiz was designed with the help of expert psychologists to provide you with a baseline that can be used to assess your current level of depressive symptoms, as well as to measure changes over time by returning to this page and repeating the self-assessment. ### Can Depression Be Healthy? While depression is a serious condition that may require support, some individuals find that periods of emotional difficulty can prompt reflection and personal growth. However, persistent or severe symptoms should never be ignored. Occasional feelings of sadness or mild depression can: - Provide time and space for self-reflection - Encourage us to reevaluate personal perspectives and goals - Help us increase empathy and compassion - Prompt us to develop coping skills Shifting your perspective on depression can be empowering, but seeking help is still crucial, especially for moderate to severe symptoms. If you’re having thoughts of suicide, please contact your doctor immediately or call the [National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.](https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) ## Health Risks Related to Depression The discomfort and anxiety-inducing symptoms of depression can negatively impact a person’s mental well-being. Depression often co-occurs with chronic health conditions and prolonged stress. Because symptoms can overlap with other medical concerns, it is important to seek professional evaluation if you are unsure about the cause of your symptoms. Depression can also negatively impact your physical as well as emotional well-being. For instance, depression raises your risk of other health problems by keeping stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol elevated for long periods. Increased stress hormones can impact your **immune system** (the body’s defense system that fights off germs), making you susceptible to infection. The symptoms of clinical depression can also cause extensive emotional damage, which can increase the risk of **substance use disorder** (an inability to control the use of drugs and alcohol). Here are some conditions that are commonly associated with depression: - Major depressive disorder (clinical depression) - Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) - Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) - Anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder) - Substance abuse or dependence - Chronic pain or illness - Sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia) - Eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa) - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - Personality disorders (e.g., borderline personality disorder) - History of trauma or abuse - Family history of depression or mental illness - Dependence on certain medications - Chronic stress - Isolation or lack of social support It’s important to note that depression can have various causes and can often be a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. This list is not exhaustive, and it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis. ## Overcoming Depression When dealing with depression, there are various ways to help manage its effects. Common treatment options include medication prescribed by a qualified medical provider, psychotherapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and other supportive interventions tailored to the individual. Beyond medication, there are drug-free approaches that can improve brain function and chemical balance by teaching you healthier ways of thinking, such as: - **Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)**: A type of talk therapy that helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. **Psychotherapy**: Also known as talk therapy, it involves discussing your feelings with a therapist to address the emotional aspects of depression. The most common interventions and recommendations include: - Psychiatry or psychology with a qualified mental health provider - Seeking support from family members or a loved one or joining a support group - Apps are becoming increasingly common because of their widespread accessibility - Medication prescribed by a medical practitioner - Meditation and other mind-body therapies - Neuroplasticity or brain retraining ### Neuroplasticity or “Brain Retraining” Exercises for Depression From a neurobiological viewpoint, depression may involve patterns of neural activity that reinforce negative thinking and low mood. However, the brain has [**neuroplasticity**](https://www.re-origin.com/what-is-neuroplasticity)—the ability to modify and create new neural connections through experience and training. At re-origin, the neuroplasticity program teaches you specific neurocognitive exercises (mental activities designed to forge new, positive neural pathways in your brain). By systematically practicing these exercises, you can weaken the old, unhealthy brain circuits and build new neural pathways that support balanced thought processes, emotions, and behaviors. This allows your normal, healthy mental functioning to resume. The re-origin program focuses on helping individuals retrain unhelpful neural patterns through structured neuroplasticity-based exercises. Learn more about the [re-origin program here](https://www.re-origin.com/program?utm_source=ro&utm_medium=blog). [High functioning depression](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/high-functioning-depression) [Interoception to reduce anxiety and depression](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/interoception-to-reduce-anxiety-depression) ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) #### When and how does depression become a problem? Depression becomes problematic when a person’s life is dramatically altered by the symptoms. If a person is experiencing chronic stress, insomnia, social isolation, or suicidal thoughts and normal daily life is no longer possible, it is time to seek professional help. #### What treatment options are available for depression? There are various treatment options for treating depression. The most widely used treatments are prescribed medications and psychotherapy. Many individuals suffering from depression also see a psychiatrist, psychologist, and other mental health professionals. These are not the only options. Many are turning to brain retraining, provided they’ve been properly assessed by a mental health professional beforehand. There are various treatment options for depression. The most widely used treatments are prescription medications and psychotherapy. Many individuals suffering from depression also see a psychiatrist, psychologist, and other mental health professionals. These are not the only options. Many are turning to brain retraining, provided they’ve been properly assessed by a mental health professional beforehand. #### Is there an assessment for depression? While there is no direct “depression test,” there are several helpful and widely accepted screening tools commonly used by healthcare professionals. The most common one is the nine-question patient health questionnaire, also referred to as the PHQ-9. Shorter versions of this and online self-assessments can also be useful for self-knowledge but should not be considered a substitute for a diagnosis of any mental health condition. To seek a proper diagnosis, one must receive an evaluation from a licensed mental healthcare provider. #### What is the difference between depression and sadness? Both depression and sadness can be natural responses to challenging life circumstances. But if hopelessness lingers and you lose interest in things you used to enjoy, depression might be the culprit. ###### References 1. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). (2024, April 15). Depression: Learn More – How is depression treated? InformedHealth.org – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279282/ 2. Major Depression. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression 3. Wang, Y., Song, N., Ding, Y., & Zhang, L. (2022). Neural plasticity and depression treatment. IBRO Neuroscience Reports, 14, 160–184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.09.001 4. World Health Organization: WHO & World Health Organization: WHO. (2025, August 29). Depressive disorder (depression). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Share This Quiz Share This Quiz #### **Join the Journey** Get the latest tools & insights on brain retraining and healing chronic illness\! [Read Our Editorial Process](https://www.re-origin.com/editorial-process) [Meet Our Medical Review Team](https://www.re-origin.com/medical-review-team) [Send Feedback](https://www.re-origin.com/contact) ### **Ready to Rewire?** Subscribe & get 10% off your first year at re-origin. ## Explore Blog Posts [](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/https-www-re-origin-com-articles-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-exercises) ### [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Exercises: Supporting Your Brain’s Capacity to Change](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/https-www-re-origin-com-articles-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-exercises) - April 1, 2026 - [Read More](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/https-www-re-origin-com-articles-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-exercises) [](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/coping-skills-strategies-for-depression) ### [Coping Skills for Depression: Healing with Healthy Strategies](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/coping-skills-strategies-for-depression) - March 25, 2026 - [Read More](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/coping-skills-strategies-for-depression) [](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/easy-mindfulness-practices-for-everyday-life) ### [Easy Mindfulness Practices for Everyday Life](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/easy-mindfulness-practices-for-everyday-life) - March 20, 2026 - [Read More](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/easy-mindfulness-practices-for-everyday-life) [](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/differences-between-top-down-bottom-up-pain) ### [Top Down vs. Bottom Up Pain and Symptoms: Understanding the Differences](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/differences-between-top-down-bottom-up-pain) - March 16, 2026 - [Read More](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/differences-between-top-down-bottom-up-pain) [](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/understanding-types-of-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-symtpoms) ### [Understanding Types of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Symptoms](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/understanding-types-of-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-symtpoms) - March 13, 2026 - [Read More](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/understanding-types-of-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-symtpoms) [](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/what-is-biohacking) ### [What Is Biohacking? 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For each of the following questions, you will be asked to select one of the following options to indicate the frequency of your symptoms: never, very rarely, rarely, occasionally, frequently, or always. Your unique answers will then be used to calculate your results and determine whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. Your results will show further unique educational information, and all results are strictly confidential. Please note: This self-assessment is not intended to estab­lish a physician-patient rela­tion­ship, to replace the ser­vices of a trained physi­cian or health care pro­fes­sional, or to otherwise be a sub­sti­tute for pro­fes­sional med­ical advice, diag­no­sis, or treatment. The aim of this quiz is to provide education about the condition. By filling out this self-assessment and clicking “Submit,” you acknowledge that you’ve read and agree with this statement and agree to re-origin’s [Terms & Conditions](https://www.re-origin.com/terms-conditions). ## What is Depression? At some point in their lives, everyone will experience sadness. However, when low mood persists for weeks and begins interfering with daily functioning, it may indicate a depressive disorder rather than temporary sadness. Depression is a treatable mental health condition that affects mood, thinking patterns, energy levels, and behavior. In this article you’ll find information about depression—common causes, symptoms, and ways to address it. You’ll also find a brief depression test that you can take to assess whether you may be experiencing mild, moderate, or severe symptoms of depression. Keep in mind this is not a replacement for medical diagnosis but more of a useful guide. You may also use this depression test periodically to determine whether your condition is improving based on your chosen interventions. You’ll also learn how chronic stress can impact the brain and nervous system, contributing to ongoing low mood and emotional exhaustion. This is why re-origin has assembled a team of clinical psychologists and neuroscientists to create the best [**brain retraining program**](https://www.re-origin.com/program) that can help people normalize their function, return to a state of calm, and allow their brain to naturally begin producing its feel-good neurotransmitters again. ## How Do I Know If I Have Depression? All of us will occasionally feel hopeless, sad, or depressed. These are normal and natural responses to challenging events and circumstances. But when these emotions persist long beyond the stressful events and evolve into overwhelming weights or begin causing physical symptoms, they can hinder us from living a normal, active, joyful life. If you’re feeling this way, it may be an indication that it’s time to seek help. If you suspect you may be suffering from depression, the first place to go is your regular doctor. There they can properly assess you for clinical depression and begin to develop a plan to help manage symptoms. If left untreated, clinical depression may worsen and last for months, if not years. Recognizing symptoms of depression is vital in order to begin managing symptoms and feeling like yourself again. Some common symptoms of depression include: - Brain fog such as trouble concentrating, recalling details, and making decisions - Fatigue or little energy - Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness - Hopelessness - Finding little interest in things that previously were enjoyable - Insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep) - Sleeping too much - Irritability - Overeating or poor appetite - Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities - Appetite increase or decrease - Headaches, body aches, or cramps - Digestive issues - Persistent sad, empty, or anxious feelings - Suicidal thoughts or actions While occasional sadness is normal, depression typically affects multiple areas of life, including sleep, energy, concentration, appetite, and motivation. While not meant to serve as a replacement for a diagnosis of clinical depression given by a mental health professional, this quiz was designed with the help of expert psychologists to provide you with a baseline that can be used to assess your current level of depressive symptoms, as well as to measure changes over time by returning to this page and repeating the self-assessment. ### Can Depression Be Healthy? While depression is a serious condition that may require support, some individuals find that periods of emotional difficulty can prompt reflection and personal growth. However, persistent or severe symptoms should never be ignored. Occasional feelings of sadness or mild depression can: - Provide time and space for self-reflection - Encourage us to reevaluate personal perspectives and goals - Help us increase empathy and compassion - Prompt us to develop coping skills Shifting your perspective on depression can be empowering, but seeking help is still crucial, especially for moderate to severe symptoms. If you’re having thoughts of suicide, please contact your doctor immediately or call the [National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.](https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) ## Health Risks Related to Depression The discomfort and anxiety-inducing symptoms of depression can negatively impact a person’s mental well-being. Depression often co-occurs with chronic health conditions and prolonged stress. Because symptoms can overlap with other medical concerns, it is important to seek professional evaluation if you are unsure about the cause of your symptoms. Depression can also negatively impact your physical as well as emotional well-being. For instance, depression raises your risk of other health problems by keeping stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol elevated for long periods. Increased stress hormones can impact your **immune system** (the body’s defense system that fights off germs), making you susceptible to infection. The symptoms of clinical depression can also cause extensive emotional damage, which can increase the risk of **substance use disorder** (an inability to control the use of drugs and alcohol). Here are some conditions that are commonly associated with depression: - Major depressive disorder (clinical depression) - Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) - Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) - Anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder) - Substance abuse or dependence - Chronic pain or illness - Sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia) - Eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa) - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - Personality disorders (e.g., borderline personality disorder) - History of trauma or abuse - Family history of depression or mental illness - Dependence on certain medications - Chronic stress - Isolation or lack of social support It’s important to note that depression can have various causes and can often be a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. This list is not exhaustive, and it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis. ## Overcoming Depression When dealing with depression, there are various ways to help manage its effects. Common treatment options include medication prescribed by a qualified medical provider, psychotherapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and other supportive interventions tailored to the individual. Beyond medication, there are drug-free approaches that can improve brain function and chemical balance by teaching you healthier ways of thinking, such as: - **Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)**: A type of talk therapy that helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. **Psychotherapy**: Also known as talk therapy, it involves discussing your feelings with a therapist to address the emotional aspects of depression. The most common interventions and recommendations include: - Psychiatry or psychology with a qualified mental health provider - Seeking support from family members or a loved one or joining a support group - Apps are becoming increasingly common because of their widespread accessibility - Medication prescribed by a medical practitioner - Meditation and other mind-body therapies - Neuroplasticity or brain retraining ### Neuroplasticity or “Brain Retraining” Exercises for Depression From a neurobiological viewpoint, depression may involve patterns of neural activity that reinforce negative thinking and low mood. However, the brain has [**neuroplasticity**](https://www.re-origin.com/what-is-neuroplasticity)—the ability to modify and create new neural connections through experience and training. At re-origin, the neuroplasticity program teaches you specific neurocognitive exercises (mental activities designed to forge new, positive neural pathways in your brain). By systematically practicing these exercises, you can weaken the old, unhealthy brain circuits and build new neural pathways that support balanced thought processes, emotions, and behaviors. This allows your normal, healthy mental functioning to resume. The re-origin program focuses on helping individuals retrain unhelpful neural patterns through structured neuroplasticity-based exercises. Learn more about the [re-origin program here](https://www.re-origin.com/program?utm_source=ro&utm_medium=blog). [High functioning depression](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/high-functioning-depression) [Interoception to reduce anxiety and depression](https://www.re-origin.com/articles/interoception-to-reduce-anxiety-depression)