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Mood and Depression Symptom Reflection

Reflect on five recent mood-related experiences without using the total as a depression diagnosis or validated screening result.

This is an educational self-reflection tool, not a clinical diagnostic instrument. It is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological evaluation.

Validation and evidence status

Status: Original five-item reflection; not the PHQ-9 or another validated depression instrument, and not suitable for diagnosis or suicide-risk assessment.

Editorial safety review: 2026-08-02. Independent medical review has not been completed.

These sources provide topic context and help-seeking guidance. They do not validate this website's five questions or its response total.

1.Over the past two weeks, how often have you had little interest or pleasure in doing things?

2.How often have you felt down, depressed, or hopeless?

3.How often have you had trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much?

4.How often have you felt tired or had little energy?

5.How often have you felt bad about yourself or that you are a failure?

Physicians' Untold Stories by Dr. Scott Kolbaba

Affiliate book link

The Stories Medicine Never Told You

Public descriptions say the book draws on more than 200 physician interviews and presents 26 selected accounts involving end-of-life experiences, unexpected recoveries, faith, and other events the narrators found difficult to explain.

By Dr. Scott J. Kolbaba, MD. Check the retailer for current formats, pricing, and reader ratings.