Depression Risk Calculator
Estimate your depression risk score by rating your daily mood, energy level, and social engagement. Use this tool for a quick self-check when you feel persistently low or withdrawn.
About this calculator
This calculator estimates a depression-risk score on a 0–100 scale using three self-reported factors: daily mood, social activity frequency, and energy level. Higher scores indicate higher risk. The formula is: Risk = max(0, min(100, 100 − (moodRating × 8 + socialConnections × 5 + energyLevel × 7))). The logic reflects research showing that low mood, social isolation, and low energy are primary indicators of depressive episodes. Each factor is weighted differently — mood carries the most weight (×8) because persistent low mood is the hallmark symptom of depression. Social connections and energy contribute supporting evidence. A score near 0 suggests low risk, while scores above 60–70 warrant professional consultation. This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a clinical diagnosis.
How to use
Suppose you rate your daily mood as 5, attend 3 social activities per week, and rate your energy at 4. Plug into the formula: Risk = 100 − ((5 × 8) + (3 × 5) + (4 × 7)) = 100 − (40 + 15 + 28) = 100 − 83 = 17. A score of 17 out of 100 suggests a relatively low depression risk based on these inputs. If your mood or energy were rated 2 instead, the score would climb to 100 − (16 + 15 + 28) = 41, indicating a moderate-risk zone worth monitoring.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this depression risk calculator for detecting clinical depression?
This calculator is a self-screening tool, not a clinical diagnostic instrument. It uses self-reported ratings on mood, energy, and social activity to produce an indicative risk score. Clinically validated tools like the PHQ-9 are used by healthcare professionals for formal assessment. If your score is consistently high or you feel concerned about your mental health, please consult a licensed mental health professional. Early intervention significantly improves outcomes for depression.
What factors most influence my depression risk score in this calculator?
Daily mood carries the highest weight in the formula (multiplied by 8), reflecting its central role as a diagnostic criterion for depression. Energy level is the second most influential factor (multiplied by 7), as persistent fatigue is strongly associated with depressive disorders. Social connections have the lowest weight (multiplied by 5) but still meaningfully impact the score. Improving any of these three dimensions will lower your risk score.
When should I be concerned about my depression risk score result?
A score above 50 suggests multiple risk factors are present and warrants closer attention to your mental well-being. Scores above 70 indicate that several key protective factors — good mood, social engagement, and energy — are significantly diminished. At any score level, if you are experiencing persistent sadness, hopelessness, or thoughts of self-harm, seek professional help immediately. This calculator is a starting point for reflection, not a substitute for professional evaluation.