20-Item High-Functioning Depression Test

20-Item High-Functioning Depression Test

Are you functioning on the outside but struggling inside?

You wake up, get dressed, go to work or school, talk to people, and even smile—but deep down, something doesn’t feel right. You may seem “fine” to others, but you’re constantly tired, unmotivated, or emotionally numb. These can be signs of high-functioning depression, also known as Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) or Dysthymia.

High-functioning depression can be hard to spot. You might be meeting your daily responsibilities, but inside, you’re struggling with constant low mood, self-doubt, and emotional fatigue. It often goes undiagnosed because people don’t realize their experience is a form of depression.

Taking our high-functioning depression test can help you reflect on your thoughts and behaviors. It’s not a diagnosis—but it can be the first step in understanding what you’re going through.

By recognizing the signs early, you can seek support, talk to a mental health professional, and start feeling better. This test is here to help you gain clarity and take that first step.

Who is this High-Functioning Depression Test for?

This quiz is for adults and teens who:

  • Appear fine on the outside but feel emotionally drained inside
  • Struggle with motivation, joy, or energy most days
  • Want to better understand if they might have signs of high-functioning depression

Is this quiz accurate?

This quiz is not a medical diagnosis. It’s a screening tool designed to help you reflect on your mood, habits, and thoughts. For an official diagnosis, please speak to a licensed mental health professional.

Need Support? NAMI Can Help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to turn, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a trusted organization that offers support, education, and guidance for people facing emotional struggles—including high-functioning depression.

NAMI provides:

  • Free mental health resources and articles
  • Peer-led support groups
  • A helpline you can call for guidance and encouragement
  • Tools to help you talk with family or friends about what you’re going through

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Whether you’re looking for someone to talk to or trying to understand your symptoms better, NAMI is a safe place to start.

Visit nami.org to learn more, or call their helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

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High-Functioning Depression Test

Feeling low even though you're keeping up with life? This quick self-assessment can help you identify signs of high-functioning depression—where you seem fine on the outside but feel emotionally drained inside. Take the test to gain clarity and see if it’s time to reach out for support.

1 / 20

I’ve thought, “I should be happier than this.”

2 / 20

I feel like I’m falling behind in life, even if others say I’m doing well.

3 / 20

I find it difficult to concentrate or make decisions.

4 / 20

I experience frequent mood swings or emotional numbness.

5 / 20

I feel physically heavy or sluggish without a clear reason.

6 / 20

I procrastinate on important tasks due to lack of motivation.

7 / 20

I feel disconnected from people around me, even those I love.

8 / 20

I’m often self-critical or feel like I’m not good enough.

9 / 20

I find it hard to truly relax or feel at peace.

10 / 20

I push through tasks even when I feel mentally exhausted.

11 / 20

I feel like I have to pretend everything is fine.

12 / 20

I feel guilty for feeling sad or low even when my life seems "okay."

13 / 20

I feel a sense of sadness that doesn’t fully go away.

14 / 20

I keep busy to distract myself from emotional pain.

15 / 20

I often feel like something is “off” with me, but I don’t know what.

16 / 20

I feel like I'm just surviving, not really living.

17 / 20

I find it hard to enjoy things I once loved.

18 / 20

I smile and laugh around others, even when I feel sad inside.

19 / 20

I go through the day feeling empty or flat inside.

20 / 20

I feel emotionally tired even after a full night's sleep.

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