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Severe Depression Test Result: What to Do Next

Answered 14 September 2026 at 4:22 am PKT

A severe score on a depression self-check means your distress deserves prompt attention, but it does not by itself diagnose depression. This page explains what to do next, how to find professional help in Pakistan, and when to seek urgent support.

I scored in the severe range on a depression self-check and I’m worried. How can I get help and what should I do next?

It is genuinely unsettling to see a "severe" score, and your worry makes complete sense. Try not to read that result as a final verdict – it is a sign that you are carrying a heavy load and that you deserve proper support. The most important thing now is to take that score seriously without letting it scare you into doing nothing.

What scoring severe actually means

A self-check tool is a helpful starting point, not a diagnosis. It tells you that your current symptoms match what professionals call moderate-to-severe depression. That is a signal, not a label. Many people who score in this range feel exhausted, hopeless, and as if nothing will help – but those feelings are the depression talking, not the truth.

What you can do next

  • See a doctor first – A general practitioner (GP) can rule out physical causes like thyroid or vitamin D/B12 deficiency, which often mimic depression. Cost at a basic clinic is usually 500–1500 rupees.
  • Find a psychiatrist – Pakistan has very few, but they exist in major cities and some public hospitals offer low-cost or free OPDs. Our /find-help page lists verified professionals.
  • Use our free resources – The /get-help page has crisis helplines (we do not list numbers here, but they are there). You can also talk to Zara, our companion from the team, anytime you need to share what is going on.
  • Tell one trusted person – It could be a family member, a friend, or even a colleague. You do not have to explain everything; just say, "I have been struggling and I need support." In a culture where log kya kahenge weighs on us, that one person can break the isolation.
  • Do not try to "fix" it alone – Severe depression often needs both therapy and, sometimes, medication. That is not weakness – it is the same as taking insulin for diabetes.

You have already done the hardest step: you recognised something is wrong and you asked. Now just move one step at a time. Book an appointment, call the helpline, or message Zara. You are not alone in this, and it will not last forever.

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Answered by the Depression.pk team
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