Google has taken its own steps to try and counter depression in the United States. 

As reported by CNN , every time a user searches the keywords “clinical depression” or “depression”, they will now be given an optional questionnaire to help test their depression levels and whether or not said user should seek professional help. 

Users who search for information on the subject of depression will get a pop up on the top of their screen that says “check if you’re clinically depressed”. The users will then be directed to the clinically validated PHQ-9 test, which tries and detect depression through asking about a user’s amount of energy, appetite and concentration levels. 

The results of the PHQ-9 might not detect depression in its entirety. However it would help you to have a more informed conversation with your doctor.

Read also: Instagram photos can reveal signs of depression, study suggests

This endeavor, in association with the National alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), hopes that “by making this information available on Google, more people will become aware of depression and seek treatment to recover and improve their quality of life," said Mary Giliberti, the CEO of NAMI. 

Clinical depression is known to affect 1 in 5 of Americans and individuals with depression symptoms usually wait six to eight years before seeking professional help. 

While this seems like a very good step towards reducing the rate of depression, the tech giant recognizes that this is sensitive information and has stated that it would not be storing any of the responses on their servers. (ken/kes)

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