WHO-5 Well-Being Index
The WHO-5 Well-Being Index is a short, validated questionnaire from the World Health Organization. It measures positive well-being over the past two weeks — not just the absence of problems, but how good you have been feeling.
WHO-5 Well-Being Index
The WHO-5 Well-Being Index is a short, validated questionnaire from the World Health Organization. It measures positive well-being over the past two weeks — not just the absence of problems, but how good you have been feeling.
This is a validated screening tool, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified healthcare or mental health professional can diagnose depression, anxiety, or any condition. If your results concern you, please reach out for professional help. If you’re in distress or crisis, contact a helpline now — in the US & Canada call or text 988, in the UK call Samaritans on 116 123, in Australia call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
This tool is for general education and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not use it to make health decisions — talk to a qualified professional about your health.
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What the WHO-5 measures
The WHO-5 asks five positive statements about well-being (cheerful, calm, active, rested, interested) over the past two weeks. Each is scored 0 (at no time) to 5 (all of the time). The raw score ranges from 0 to 25.
Unlike the PHQ-9 or GAD-7, the WHO-5 measures positive well-being — a higher score is better. A raw score of 13 or below suggests poor well-being and the WHO guideline recommends further screening for depression.
Why well-being matters
Well-being is more than the absence of illness. The WHO-5 captures whether you are thriving, not just whether you are symptom-free. Low scores can be an early signal — sometimes before specific symptoms are noticed.
If your score is 13 or below, please consider talking to your doctor. The WHO-5 is specifically recommended as a first-step screen for depression — a low score does not mean you are depressed, but it means further assessment is a good idea.
Frequently asked questions
Is the WHO-5 a depression test?
No. The WHO-5 measures positive well-being. However, a raw score of 13 or below is the standard cutoff for recommending further screening for depression. If your score is low, your doctor may follow up with a depression-specific tool like the PHQ-9.
My score is low but I do not feel depressed — what should I do?
Well-being fluctuates for many reasons — stress, poor sleep, life events, or simply a difficult couple of weeks. If your score is 13 or below, it is still worth mentioning to your doctor, especially if it persists. But a single low score does not mean you are depressed.
Can the WHO-5 diagnose anything?
No. The WHO-5 is a screening and monitoring tool. It cannot diagnose depression, anxiety, or any condition. Only a qualified professional can make a diagnosis after a clinical assessment.
How often should I take the WHO-5?
The WHO-5 measures the past two weeks. If you are being monitored by a healthcare professional, follow their guidance. If self-monitoring, retake every 2-4 weeks and track the trend.
Sources & references
Not medical advice. This result is an educational estimate from HealthyLifeStyles (Trusted Wellness), based on population formulas — not a diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your health.
https://www.healthylifesstyles.com/tools/who-5-wellbeing-screener