The Mental Health Symptom Checker is an interactive self-assessment utility modeled after the introductory question of the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), an ultra-brief screening instrument developed by Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams to screen for depressive symptoms in general outpatient settings.

### Tool Implementation and Screening Logic The tool presents a single validated screening inquiry evaluating mood disturbance over the prior two-week window:

- **Assessment Inquiry:** "Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you felt down, depressed, or hopeless?" - **Scoring Scale:**\n - **Not at all (Score 0):** Zero days experiencing low mood.\n - **Several days (Score 1):** Intermittent feelings of depression.\n - **More than half the days (Score 2):** Persistent depressed mood occurring on 7 or more days.\n - **Nearly every day (Score 3):** Chronic depressive symptoms experienced almost continuously. - **Screening Threshold Evaluation:**\n - If Score $\ge 2$: The tool displays an alert indicating that your self-reported score meets the standard clinical threshold where consultation with a licensed healthcare provider, psychologist, or counselor is recommended.\n - If Score $< 2$: The tool indicates that the response falls within the normal baseline screening range and reinforces healthy daily self-care routines.

### Worked Screening Example A user completing the self-check: - **Selected Frequency:** "More than half the days (2)" - **Screening Score:** 2 - **Threshold Check:** $2 \ge 2 = \text{True}$ - **Displayed Output:** "⚠️ Score indicates you may benefit from speaking with a wellness counselor or mental health professional."

### Strict Medical & Crisis Disclaimer This self-screening tool is an introductory educational utility, NOT a diagnostic instrument, psychiatric evaluation, or clinical mental health diagnosis. A score of 2 or higher does not confirm clinical depression, major depressive disorder (MDD), dysthymia, or anxiety. Conversely, a score below 2 does not rule out psychological distress or mental health challenges. Always discuss your emotional well-being with a qualified physician, licensed therapist, or mental health clinician.

**Crisis Resources (Immediate Support):**\n- In the United States and Canada: Call or text **988** to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services are free and confidential.\n- In the United Kingdom: Call **111** (NHS mental health services) or call Samaritans at **116 123**.\n- In Australia: Call Lifeline at **13 11 14**.\n- If you are experiencing an acute medical or psychiatric emergency, contact your local emergency services (e.g. 911, 999, 000, 112) or proceed to the nearest emergency room immediately.

### Absolute Client-Side Privacy Guarantee Mental health self-assessments require complete personal privacy. This tool executes 100% locally in your web browser session. No answers, scores, IP addresses, or personal selections are transmitted across network requests, saved in cookies, or stored on any server.