Save as PDF

Depression Screening Tool

Understanding Mood & Promoting Well-being

Section 1: Introduction & Purpose

Welcome to the Depression Screening Tool. This resource is designed to help individuals, parents, and professionals gain a clearer understanding of potential symptoms related to low mood, loss of interest, and other emotional/physical changes, alongside identifying unique strengths.

Who is this Screening Tool For?

This screener is for individuals of all ages (children, young adults, and adults) who experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, lack of energy, or changes in sleep/appetite that impact their daily life, education, or work.

It is managed by a professional (e.g., teacher, SENCo, counsellor, GP, support worker, or parent) to help guide the process and discuss the results.

What Will This Tool Do?

This tool will help to:

Identify if experiences align with common indicators of depression.
Highlight individual's strengths (e.g., resilience, empathy, creativity, problem-solving, introspection) which can coexist with mood challenges.
Provide practical insights into coping mechanisms and effective strategies for supporting emotional well-being.
Guide recommendations for further assessment (e.g., by a GP or mental health professional), educational adjustments, or workplace accommodations.

Important Information:

It is vital to understand that this is a screening tool, not a formal diagnostic assessment for depression. It is designed to inform support and identify the need for further investigation, not to label.

A formal diagnosis of depression can only be provided by a qualified medical or mental health professional (e.g., GP, psychiatrist, psychologist).

Our Strengths-Based Approach:

We believe everyone has strengths and unique ways of thinking. This screener, in line with The Dynamic Development Plan framework, focuses on understanding the individual's whole profile. It is not just about identifying challenges, but about recognising their resilience, unique perspectives, and other talents that can help them thrive.

Let us begin to explore their unique potential!

Section 2: Background & Mood History

This section helps us understand the individual's history with mood and how it manifests now. Please complete all relevant fields or mark 'N/A' (Not Applicable).

Individual Details & Current Context

1. Full Name of Individual Being Screened:

2. Age:

3. Relationship to Individual (if completing for someone else):

4. Current Education Level / Main Activity:

5. Name of Professional Administering Screener:

6. Date of Screening Tool Completion:

Mood History & Triggers

7. Has the individual experienced persistent low mood, sadness, or loss of interest/pleasure for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks?

Yes, prolonged No Not sure

8. What situations or thoughts seem to trigger or worsen low mood for the individual?

(e.g., academic/work pressure, social isolation, specific life events, feeling overwhelmed, sleep deprivation)

9. Is there any family history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions?

Yes No Not sure

10. Has the individual received any previous mental health support or counselling?

Yes No Not sure

Section 3: Depression Symptoms & Observations

Observe or discuss the individual's symptoms across different domains. Note their frequency and intensity.

FOR PROFESSIONAL/PARENT USE ONLY: Observe/discuss and record observations/notes below.

Emotional & Cognitive Symptoms

1. Describe emotional/cognitive symptoms (e.g., persistent sadness, loss of interest/pleasure, feelings of worthlessness/guilt, difficulty concentrating, thoughts of self-harm/suicide):

Physical & Behavioural Symptoms

2. Describe physical/behavioural symptoms (e.g., significant weight/appetite changes, sleep disturbances, fatigue, slowed/agitated movements, reduced energy, social withdrawal):

Impact on Functioning

3. How do these symptoms impact daily functioning (e.g., academic/work performance, self-care, social interactions, hobbies, attendance)?

4. Overall Observations from Professional/Parent (Optional, but highly recommended):

Note any general observations: patterns of mood, changes over time, specific triggers or calming strategies used, signs of distress.

Section 4: Strengths & Coping Strategies

This section explores the individual's unique strengths and existing ways of coping with mood challenges.

Individual Strengths

1. Describe the individual's cognitive strengths (e.g., high intelligence, strong analytical skills, creativity, resilience, problem-solving, empathy, introspection):

2. Describe the individual's social-emotional strengths (e.g., strong interpersonal skills, compassion, conscientiousness, perseverance, sense of humour):

3. Does the individual have any particular interests or talents that typically bring them joy, a sense of achievement, or calm?

Existing Coping Strategies

4. What strategies or tools does the individual currently use to try and manage their mood or challenges?

(e.g., talking to someone, engaging in hobbies, exercise, specific routines, seeking quiet time, mindfulness)

Section 5: Findings & Recommendations

FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY: Use this section to interpret findings and outline actionable recommendations based on the individual's responses and observations.

Overall Profile & Strengths:

Based on all sections, what are the individual's unique strengths and positive attributes?

Potential Indicators of Depression:

Based on the screening observations, are there consistent indicators of depression symptoms (e.g., persistent low mood, loss of interest, fatigue)? (Refer to specific observations from Sections 2, 3, and 4). Avoid definitive diagnosis. Note age-specific manifestations.

Immediate Practical Strategies & Support (The Dynamic Development Plan in Action):

Suggest immediate, practical strategies for home, education, or workplace to support mood regulation and promote well-being. Focus on leveraging strengths and encouraging positive coping mechanisms.

Recommendations for Next Steps & Future Well-being:

What should happen next? Choose one or more options below and provide details.

Recommended Next Steps: Consult with GP/Family Doctor for assessment/referral
Consider counselling/therapy referral
Discuss with school SENCo/pastoral team
Explore guided self-help resources/support groups
Consider workplace accommodations
Other (please specify below)

Thank you for completing the Depression Screening Tool.

This tool is designed to empower you with understanding and practical pathways for your future.

Sign up for Newsletter

Depression Screening Tool

Section 1: Introduction & Purpose

Who is this Screening Tool For?

What Will This Tool Do?

Important Information:

Our Strengths-Based Approach:

Section 2: Background & Mood History

Individual Details & Current Context

Mood History & Triggers

Section 3: Depression Symptoms & Observations

Emotional & Cognitive Symptoms

Physical & Behavioural Symptoms

Impact on Functioning

Section 4: Strengths & Coping Strategies

Individual Strengths

Existing Coping Strategies

Section 5: Findings & Recommendations

Overall Profile & Strengths:

Potential Indicators of Depression:

Immediate Practical Strategies & Support (The Dynamic Development Plan in Action):

Recommendations for Next Steps & Future Well-being:

DDP Generated Report

Sign up for Newsletter

Depression Screening Tool

Section 1: Introduction & Purpose

Who is this Screening Tool For?

What Will This Tool Do?

Important Information:

Our Strengths-Based Approach:

Section 2: Background & Mood History

Individual Details & Current Context

Mood History & Triggers

Section 3: Depression Symptoms & Observations

Emotional & Cognitive Symptoms

Physical & Behavioural Symptoms

Impact on Functioning

Section 4: Strengths & Coping Strategies

Individual Strengths

Existing Coping Strategies

Section 5: Findings & Recommendations

Overall Profile & Strengths:

Potential Indicators of Depression:

Immediate Practical Strategies & Support (The Dynamic Development Plan in Action):

Recommendations for Next Steps & Future Well-being:

DDP Generated Report

Login