Free Survey Questions About Depression
50+ Expert Crafted Survey Questions About Depression
Measuring mental health starts with focused survey questions about depression, so you can capture accurate insights into mood, behavior, and quality of life. This depression survey is designed to assess the prevalence and severity of symptoms, helping you identify trends and offer better support where it's needed most. Load our free template preloaded with example questions, or head over to our online form builder to create a fully customized survey.
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Top Secrets for Crafting a Powerful Survey Questions About Depression Survey
Starting with solid survey questions about depression survey is key to understanding mental health trends in your group. Good questions shape insights, guide interventions, and highlight areas where help is needed. If you ask "How often have you felt down in the past month?" you open the door for honest feedback. Participants respond better when they sense clarity and purpose.
Imagine a clinician using Perla, a conversational agent validated against the PHQ-9. In trials, Perla boosted engagement by over 20% compared to paper forms and matched the reliability of traditional tools. That real-world edge shows why interactive designs matter. You'll keep respondents invested from first click to final submission.
To structure your questions effectively, start with clear objectives and flow. Reference the reliability of the PHQ-9 when choosing symptom-based items. Group items on mood, sleep, and energy to maintain coherence. If you need a broader starting point, explore our Mental Health Survey Questions list for inspiration.
Use a mix of Likert scales and open fields to capture nuance. For example, ask "Over the past two weeks, how often have you felt down, depressed, or hopeless?" on a 0 - 3 scale. Then follow with an open question like "What coping strategies helped you most?" to collect personal stories. This blend delivers both numbers and narratives for richer analysis.
Finally, pilot your draft in a quick poll with colleagues or a small focus group. Review response rates and any confusing language. Refine wording, adjust length, and ensure each question aligns with your goal. When you're ready, launch your Depression Survey knowing it stands on best practices and solid research.
5 Must-Know Tips to Dodge Common Pitfalls in Your Depression Survey Design
Launching a depression survey without preparation can backfire fast. Many creators focus on content volume instead of clarity. That overloads respondents and spikes dropout rates. Clear, concise questions always win.
One common mistake is neglecting sampling bias. A meta-analysis on survey design features found that ignoring target population variables cuts response rates by up to 30%. In a university setting, skipping demographic screening led to overrepresentation of freshmen under stress. Tailor outreach methods - email, social platforms, or in-person - to match your audience's habits.
Vague or loaded wording also skews results. Avoid phrases that feel judgmental or confusing. Instead of "Don't you think therapy works?", pose "How much do you agree with the statement: I find it hard to get motivated to do things." Attaching neutral language helps maintain trust and collect genuine feedback.
Overly long surveys frustrate respondents. Research comparing Facebook-based surveys with traditional forms showed no major bias, but participants quit faster if it feels like a marathon (Evaluation of Biases in Self-reported Surveys). Keep your depression section under 10 questions and stick to a ten-minute maximum. Shorter, focused surveys drive completion.
To wrap up, pilot test with a small group, analyze timing and drop-off points, and tweak accordingly. Use clear instructions, maintain logical flow, and offer anonymity. These tweaks sharpen data quality and show respondents you value their time. Nail these details, and your insights will power better mental health support.
Symptoms and Severity Questions
This set of questions helps identify core depressive symptoms and gauge their intensity over time. Use these items to quantify severity and track changes in clinical follow-up. Explore more with our Depression Survey .
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How often have you felt down, depressed, or hopeless in the past two weeks?
This question derives from standard diagnostic criteria to measure frequency and impact of low mood.
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On a scale from 0 (not at all) to 10 (extremely), how severe is your sadness right now?
A numerical rating allows for quick assessment of current mood intensity and change over time.
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Have you experienced changes in appetite or weight recently?
Appetite and weight changes are key symptoms that reflect physiological impacts of depression.
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How often do you have trouble sleeping (too much or too little)?
Sleep disturbances often signal emotional distress and correlate strongly with depressive episodes.
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Do you find it difficult to concentrate or make decisions?
Cognitive impairment is a hallmark sign, affecting daily functioning and quality of life.
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Have you experienced unexplained fatigue or loss of energy?
Fatigue speaks to the physical toll depression can take, hindering motivation and activity.
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How frequently have you felt worthless or excessively guilty?
Self-esteem issues often accompany depression and can exacerbate negative thought patterns.
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Have you noticed a loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed?
Anhedonia is central to diagnosis and highlights withdrawal from previously rewarding experiences.
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How often do you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life?
Assessing suicidality is critical for safety planning and determining urgency of intervention.
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In the past month, how often have you felt restless or slowed down?
Psychomotor changes offer insight into the severity and type of depressive presentation.
Emotional Experience Questions
These questions focus on emotional patterns and mood fluctuations to understand subjective experience. They are vital for tailoring emotional support and interventions. See more in our Mental Health Survey Question Examples .
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How often do you feel irritable or easily frustrated?
Irritability can be an overlooked symptom, indicating emotional dysregulation associated with depression.
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When you feel sad, how long do these episodes typically last?
Duration helps distinguish between transient sadness and more persistent depressive mood.
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How frequently do you experience feelings of emptiness or numbness?
Numbing indicates emotional shutdown and may complicate recognition of depression.
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Do you notice sudden mood swings or emotional highs and lows?
Fluctuating emotions can suggest mixed features or comorbid mood disorders.
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How often do you feel anxious or on edge alongside your depression?
Co-occurring anxiety significantly impacts treatment planning and symptom management.
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When you think of the future, how hopeful or hopeless do you feel?
Future outlook measures cognitive distortions and can predict recovery motivation.
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Do you experience bursts of crying or tearfulness without a clear trigger?
Emotional lability highlights the intensity of the depressive state.
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How often do you feel overwhelmed by your emotions?
Overwhelm can contribute to feeling trapped and unable to cope effectively.
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Have you noticed a decrease in emotional responsiveness to positive events?
Blunted affect suggests deeper emotional numbing beyond simple sadness.
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Do negative thoughts dominate your mind more than positive ones?
Cognitive content analysis reveals thought patterns central to depressive cognition.
Daily Functioning Questions
Assess how depression affects routines, productivity, and self-care activities. These items guide conversations on support needs and accommodation. Refer to insights from our Good On Adolescents Depression Survey .
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How often do you find it hard to get out of bed in the morning?
Mornings can be especially challenging and reflect sleep quality or motivation issues.
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Have you skipped any work, school, or social commitments due to low mood?
Absenteeism highlights the functional impact and potential for social isolation.
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Do you struggle to complete routine household tasks?
Daily chores offer practical insight into self-care capacity and energy levels.
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How easily can you maintain personal hygiene when feeling depressed?
Self-neglect often signals worsening symptoms and the need for support.
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Have you noticed a change in your productivity at work or school?
Work or academic performance can suffer significantly, affecting overall well-being.
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Do you find it difficult to plan or organize daily activities?
Poor executive functioning is common and can hinder structured routines.
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How often do you isolate yourself from friends or family?
Social withdrawal can worsen mood and reduce important support networks.
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Have you reduced or stopped any hobbies you once enjoyed?
Losing interest in hobbies indicates anhedonia and loss of pleasure.
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Do you experience concentration lapses when reading, driving, or studying?
Concentration issues affect safety and performance across different contexts.
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How much does your depression interfere with your daily routine?
An overall interference rating helps measure functional impairment severity.
Coping and Support Questions
Explore coping strategies, social support, and healthy behaviors that mitigate depressive symptoms. These questions inform care planning and resource allocation. Learn more from our Depression and Social Media Assessment Survey .
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What activities do you use to cope when you feel depressed?
Identifying coping behaviors helps reinforce positive strategies and address harmful ones.
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How comfortable are you discussing your feelings with friends or family?
Openness to talk is key for building a support network and reducing isolation.
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Do you engage in any form of exercise or physical activity regularly?
Physical activity is evidence-based for mood improvement and stress reduction.
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Have you sought professional help (therapy, counseling, or medication)?
Tracking help-seeking reveals treatment access and barriers to care.
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How often do you use relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation, deep breathing)?
Relaxation skills can decrease anxiety and improve emotional regulation.
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Do you have someone you can call when you feel overwhelmed?
Immediate social support is crucial for crisis moments and reducing risk.
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How effective do you find journaling or creative outlets for your mood?
Expressive therapies often aid in processing emotions and gaining insights.
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Have you accessed any online or community support groups?
Peer support can offer shared understanding and practical coping tips.
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Do you use any mood-tracking apps or tools?
Technology can facilitate self-monitoring and early intervention signals.
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How satisfied are you with the support you currently receive?
Satisfaction ratings help identify gaps and opportunities for enhanced care.
Treatment and Intervention Questions
Gather feedback on treatment experiences, expectations, and outcomes to improve care plans. These questions help clinicians tailor protocols effectively. For additional context, see our Survey Questions About Mental Illness Survey .
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Are you currently taking any medications for depression?
Medication status is fundamental for understanding treatment adherence and side effects.
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If yes, how would you rate the effectiveness of your medication?
Effectiveness ratings guide dosing adjustments and exploring alternative therapies.
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Have you experienced any side effects from your treatment?
Side effect monitoring is crucial to maintain adherence and quality of life.
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How often do you attend therapy or counseling sessions?
Frequency of sessions correlates with engagement and potential progress.
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How helpful do you find your therapist's approach?
Therapeutic alliance strongly predicts positive treatment outcomes.
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Have you tried alternative therapies (e.g., acupuncture, yoga, herbal supplements)?
Alternative approaches can complement traditional treatment but require efficacy checks.
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Do you feel your treatment plan addresses all your concerns?
Perceived comprehensiveness of care affects satisfaction and long-term engagement.
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How confident are you in your ability to manage depression between sessions?
Self-efficacy assessments inform skill-building and relapse prevention strategies.
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Would you be interested in group therapy or peer support programs?
Interest in group formats can expand treatment options and resource planning.
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How soon would you like to see changes in your symptoms?
Expectation management helps align goals and realistic treatment timelines.
