Do I Need to Take a Mental Health Assessment? 

 

Mental health is just as important as physical health, but like our physical health, it can ebb and flow. How can you tell the difference between a mental cold that might just require a few days of rest to a long-term illness that requires professional treatment?

The best way is to talk to a psychiatrist near you. A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who is trained in mental health issues. They are the experts on diagnosing mental illnesses and can prescribe medication to help treat them. They are the doctors of the mental health world. 

A Psychiatrist is likely to give you a mental health assessment. While talking to a professional is the only way you can get a definite diagnosis, there are free online mental health assessments that can help you understand your symptoms and give you clarity on your path forward. 

 

What is a mental health assessment? 

If you’ve ever searched for the symptoms of the flu, a free online mental health assessment is a little like that. It should be used as a temperature gauge, not an absolute definition. 

A good mental health assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms. These questions are informed by the DSM-5, which is the handbook for diagnosing and treating that all mental health professionals, psychiatrists, and therapists include, use. This test will help you understand if your symptoms may be more closely related to depression or PTSD, ADHD, or Autism. While this can be invaluable information, remember that it is not a substitute for seeing a trained psychiatrist or therapist. 

 

Can I self-diagnose? 

Self-diagnosing can be tricky. On one hand, self-diagnosing (the process of researching your symptoms and finding a diagnosis that fits) can be helpful in identifying healthy coping mechanisms and support groups. For example, if you self-diagnose with ADHD and find an online community that provides virtual body doubling, and you get more work done as a result, that’s a net positive experience!

But there are dangerous aspects of self-diagnosing, too. There’s a tendency to overpathologize regular human behavior. Also, without a trained professional to lead the treatment, some people find unhealthy or even dangerous ways to deal with their symptoms. 

Therefore, while getting an idea of your symptoms and possible treatment methods is a good way to expand your understanding and ability to help yourself, diagnosing should only be done by a trained professional. 

 

Signs You Need a Mental Health Assessment

You should take a mental health assessment—whether free online or through a licensed psychiatrist—if you experience any of the following signs:

1. Persistent Sadness or Low Mood: Feeling down, hopeless, or emotionally numb for more than two weeks.

Pro tip: Overcoming hopelessness takes time, effort, and community. A therapist can be a part of the support system that gets you back on your feet.

2. Excessive Worry or Anxiety: Constant fear, nervousness, or racing thoughts that interfere with daily life.

3. Mood Swings or Irritability: Unexplained mood changes, anger outbursts, or emotional highs and lows.

4. Withdrawal from Family, Friends, or Activities: Losing interest in things you once enjoyed or isolating yourself from others.

5. Changes in Sleep Patterns: Insomnia, sleeping too much, or frequent nightmares.

6. Appetite or Weight Changes: Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in eating habits without medical explanation.

7. Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions: Feeling scattered, forgetful, or unable to focus at work, school, or home.

8. Fatigue or Low Energy: Constant exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest or sleep.

9. Substance Use to Cope: Using alcohol, drugs, or other risky behaviors to numb emotional pain or escape.

10. Unexplained Physical Symptoms: Frequent headaches, stomach issues, or body aches without a clear medical cause.

11. Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts: Thoughts of hurting yourself, feeling like a burden, or believing others would be better off without you.

12. Struggles with Daily Functioning: Trouble maintaining responsibilities, relationships, hygiene, or personal goals.

13. Hallucinations or Paranoia: Seeing, hearing, or sensing things others don’t—or feeling suspicious without evidence.

14. Trauma or Grief That Feels Overwhelming: Difficulty recovering from a traumatic event or ongoing grief that interferes with your life.

15. You Just Feel “Off” and Don’t Know Why: Feeling like something is wrong emotionally or mentally, even if you can’t explain it.

If you're experiencing any of these signs, a mental health assessment can help clarify what you're going through and what kind of support would help most. It’s a first step toward understanding yourself better and feeling more in control.

 

Help! How Do I Find A Psychiatrist Near Me?

So you’ve decided you need a mental health assessment. You want to make sure it’s accurate, so you want to schedule an assessment with a local psychiatrist. This is a great idea! 

To find a psychiatrist near you, first consider what you need them for. Are you looking for a diagnosis or ongoing support? What are you struggling with? What symptoms do you want to address? Knowing these things before your first session will help you make the most of your session and give your psychiatrist all the information they need to fully support you. 

To find a psychiatrist near you, look at local directories like Psychology Today or Lifebulb Counseling and Therapy.