Student Tribune

Mental Health Screening Tools

Mental health conditions such as Anxiety and Depression are common and real, even if symptoms are invisible and only felt by the person living with them. Though screening tools are not meant to formally diagnose someone, they are a quick and easy way to determine whether or not someone is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. It is important to note that sometimes individuals have traits associated with a certain condition, yet they do not meet full diagnostic criteria for that condition. Either way, it is important to first understand what symptoms someone is experiencing and then communicate those symptoms to a professional in order to come up with a treatment plan to target them. Many evidence-based treatments exist and recovery is possible!

Mental Health America offers numerous quick, free, confidential, and scientifically validated screening tools. Offerings from their website are listed and described as follows:

• The Depression Testis for individuals who are feeling overwhelming sadness. The depression test is also available in Spanish.
• The Anxiety Testis for people who feel that worry and fear are affecting their ability to function day-to-day. The anxiety test is also available in Spanish.
• The Psychosis Testis for young people (age 12-35) who feel like their brain is playing tricks on them (seeing, hearing or believing things that don't seem real or quite right).
• The Bipolar Testis for individuals who have mood swings - or unusual or extreme shifts in mood and energy.
• The Eating Disorder Testcan help explore eating related concerns that have an impact on your physical health and overall well-being.
• The PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Testis for those who are bothered by a traumatic life event.
• The Parent Testis for parents of young people to determine if their child's emotions, attention, or behaviors might be signs of a problem.
• The Youth Testis for young people (age 11-17) who are concerned that their emotions, attention, or behaviors might be signs of a problem.
• The Addictio n Test(Alcohol and substance use test) will help determine if your use of alcohol or drugs is an area to address.

We hope that you will find these screening tools to be helpful. If you do choose to complete one, we would encourage you to share any positive results with your healthcare provider. Please note that a mental health provider, such as a doctor or a therapist, would be able to offer a more extensive assessment and they would work with you to come up with a plan to help you feel better, if needed.

Be well, stay safe, and please reach out to us if you are in need of additional support.

With warm regards,

Counseling Center & Disability Services Team

Phone: (585) 292-2140

Email: counselingservices@monroecc.edu & disabilityservices@monroecc.edu

Kennell, Morgan
Counseling Center & Disability Services
09/11/2020