Now, if you find that your score indicates major depression, that’s an indication that you need to get further help from a mental health care professional as soon as you can. Online tests are meant to help you validate the feelings you think you already have – are they temporary, or do your symptoms indicate that you may be headed for a chronic condition?

Once you take and score the test, print out the results. You’ll want to share those with your doctor, psychologist, or mental health counselor.

If, on the other hand, you feel more like hurting yourself, hurting someone else, or committing suicide, skip the tests and get help fast. After all, you know how you feel, you know what you think you’re capable of doing. Before you hurt yourself call your local crisis hotline. If you don’t know the number to the crisis hotline in your area dial “911” and ask for help. If you can get out of the house on your own, you can go to the nearest emergency room for help. Whatever you do, find help as soon as you can.