Feeling persistently sad, emotionally drained, or disconnected from life can be overwhelming. Many people in Kenya experience depression quietly, unsure if what they are feeling is stress, burnout, grief, or something deeper. You may find yourself asking questions like, “Why do I feel this way all the time?” or “Could I be depressed?”
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, yet it is often misunderstood, minimized, or ignored. It affects how you think, feel, behave, and function in daily life. Depression can impact your sleep, appetite, energy levels, relationships, work performance, and sense of purpose. And while it can feel isolating, support is available.
One of the most empowering first steps toward healing is understanding what you are experiencing. That is where a free depression self-assessment tool in Kenya comes in a simple, private, and accessible way to gain insight into your mental health.
Also Read: Best Free Bipolar Self-Assessment Tool in Kenya and How to Use It
Best Depression Assessment Tools in Kenya
Several evidence-based depression assessment tools are available online for free and can be accessed in Kenya. These tools are commonly used by mental health professionals and offer a reliable starting point for understanding depressive symptoms.
1. Hera Therapy Free Depression Self-Assessment Tool
The Hera Therapy Depression Self-Assessment Tool is a free and confidential screening developed with an understanding of the Kenyan context. It helps individuals reflect on mood, motivation, energy levels, thought patterns, and how depression may be affecting daily life.
The tool includes carefully structured depression assessment questions that explore emotional wellbeing, sleep, appetite, concentration, and interest in activities. After completing the assessment, users receive guidance on possible next steps, including therapy options and professional support pathways.
2. Healthy Minds Kenya Depression Screening Resources
Healthy Minds Kenya provides mental health education and screening support to help individuals understand depression and related conditions. Their resources help explain common depressive symptoms, how depression differs from stress or burnout, and when professional help may be useful.
This option is especially helpful for individuals seeking education alongside self-assessment, or those who want to better understand depression before pursuing therapy.
3. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is one of the most widely recognized depression assessment instruments globally. It consists of 21 questions that measure the severity of depressive symptoms, including mood, pessimism, guilt, fatigue, and sleep changes.
The BDI is frequently referenced when people ask, “Which assessment tool is used for depression?” Free versions of the BDI are available online and are commonly used for self-screening and clinical guidance.
4. PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9)
The PHQ-9 is one of the most widely used depression screening tools worldwide and is commonly used in clinical settings. It includes 9 depression assessment questions that measure how often you’ve experienced key symptoms over the past two weeks, such as low mood, low energy, sleep changes, appetite changes, and difficulty concentrating. Because it is short, clear, and clinically trusted, it is often used as a first step in depression assessment and to track progress over time. Free versions of the PHQ-9 are available online.
5. DASS-21 Depression Subscale
The DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale – 21 items) includes a specific depression subscale used to assess low mood, lack of motivation, hopelessness, and reduced interest in daily activities. It is widely used by mental health professionals and researchers because it helps capture depression symptoms alongside stress and anxiety, which often overlap. Free versions of the DASS-21 are available online and can be useful for individuals who feel their symptoms may involve more than one mental health concern.
What Is a Depression Self-Assessment Tool?
A depression self-assessment tool is a mental health assessment questionnaire designed to help you reflect on your emotional state, thoughts, behaviors, and physical symptoms. These tools are widely used as depression assessment instruments and are often similar to the initial screening tools clinicians use during consultations.
While a self-assessment does not provide a medical diagnosis, it helps you understand whether your symptoms may be linked to depression and whether professional support could help. Many people use these tools to answer questions like “How severe is my depression?” or “Should I seek help?” in a safe and structured way.
How to use the Hera Therapy – Free Depression Self-Assessment Tool
Before you begin, take a quiet moment to reflect and answer honestly based on how you have felt over the past two weeks. This tool is designed to offer clarity and guidance, and the steps below will help you complete the assessment with ease:
1. Start the Assessment
Access the Hera Therapy Depression Self-Assessment Tool and set aside a few quiet minutes to focus on your responses.
2. Reflect on the Past Two Weeks
Answer each question based on how you have been feeling over the past 14 days, using the PHQ-9 screening format.
3. Select the Option That Fits You Best
For each question, choose how often you have experienced the symptom. There are no right or wrong answers; honesty helps provide clearer insight.
4. Complete All Questions
The assessment covers mood, energy levels, sleep and appetite, concentration, feelings of hopelessness or guilt, and interest in daily activities.
5. Review Your Feedback
After submitting your responses, you will receive feedback indicating whether your symptoms align with common depression patterns and if individual counselling support may be helpful.
Who Should Use a Depression Self-Assessment Tool?
A self-assessment – depression tool can help anyone experiencing persistent emotional distress. It is especially useful if symptoms affect daily functioning or relationships.
You may benefit if you:
- Feel persistently low or emotionally numb
- Struggle with motivation or fatigue
- Withdraw from social connections
- Experience sleep or appetite changes
- Feel overwhelmed, hopeless, or stuck
Many people appear “okay” on the outside while struggling internally. Self-assessment can be a powerful first step toward clarity.
How Hera Therapy Can Help
At Hera Therapy, we provide compassionate, confidential, and stigma-free mental health support tailored to the Kenyan context. We offer free depression self-assessments, professional therapy services, and guidance on next steps based on your results.
Our therapists take time to understand your experience, support emotional healing, and help you build practical tools for wellbeing.
Healing Starts With Understanding
Taking a mental health assessment is not a sign of weakness. It is an act of self-awareness and courage. If depression has been affecting your life, your relationships, or your peace of mind, you deserve support.
Start your journey today with the Hera Therapy free depression self-assessment tool in Kenya or book a session with us.