Mental Health Assessment
In any one year, 21% of Australians will suffer from poor mental health, and 45% Australians will suffer from poor mental health during their lifetime
How is your mental health?
Sometimes, life can be hard. Relationships can be difficult; illness, work and study stress can get on top of us, and many other factors can affect our mental health. Occasionally, our mental wellbeing just needs a boost. Other times, it can be a challenge to stay on top of our mental health. No matter what the circumstances are, when you are feeling that you are not quite yourself, it’s important to seek support as soon as possible. Many mental health conditions require help to work through, and if you delay seeking help, your problems may get worse.
What are the signs of poor mental wellbeing?
Everyone experiences reduced mental wellbeing at times, and everyone experiences this differently. However, there are a few common signs that your mental wellbeing is being affected.
- Feeling sad or down
- Feeling confused or finding it hard to concentrate
- Excessive fears, worries, or guilt
- Extreme mood changes, including excess anger
- Inability to feel happy
- Not enjoying activities or spending time with friends as much as usual
- Feeling detached from family and friends
- Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
- Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
- Problems with alcohol or drug use
- Major changes in eating habits
- Changes in your sex drive
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Thoughts of harming yourself.
If you, or someone you care about, is experiencing the symptoms of poor mental health, you should seek help as soon as possible.
Take the test to see how your mental health is
The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (or K10)2 is a validated screening tool to determine levels of psychological distress in adults and adolescents (but not children).
This testing tool and any results and advice given are for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice from your General Practitioner.
Informed Consent and Disclaimer
I understand that this tool and the information provided is not a substitute for medical advice from my General Practitioner and does not provide a formal diagnosis of any mental health condition.
I understand that if I am concerned about any of the information provided, I should make an appointment to discuss this with my General Practitioner
If you find any of the information provided upsetting, please consider calling one of the crisis services listed below:
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
References
- Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022. National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary Results, 2020–21
- Kessler, R.C., Andrews, G., Colpe, .et al (2002) Short screening scales to monitor population prevalences and trends in non-specific psychological distress. Psychological Medicine, 32, 959-956