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Screenings

Screening Self-Tests

Screening self-tests are tools that help you look at your mental health or wellness. These tests look for signs or symptoms that can show up in some mental illnesses. They can also help you look at patterns of feelings or patterns of substance use.

While these self-tests can’t always take every situation or events that affect wellness into account, they can give you a snapshot of your feelings. Simply taking a few minutes to think about the way you feel can help guide you to areas of your life that need extra attention, regardless of your self-test results. It’s also a good way to learn about signs and symptoms to watch out for, even if you’re feeling okay right now.

Remember, your self-test results are not a substitute for a medical diagnosis. If you’re concerned about any aspect of your health and wellness, it’s best to talk to your doctor or other health care provider. However, these self-tests are a good way to start a conversation with your doctor or someone else who’s supporting you. You can even print out your results and bring them to your appointment. This can be very helpful if you’re nervous about talking with your doctor or have a hard time describing what you’re feeling.

Depression screening test

This screening self-test looks for symptoms of depression. Depression makes it difficult to enjoy life. Some people experience it as low mood or hopelessness. Others may experience a lot of irritability or blame themselves for problems. Depression can also affect your energy levels and the way you eat and sleep. People who experience bipolar disorder also experience episodes of depression, so the adult version of this self-test also looks at other symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Anxiety disorders screening test

This screening self-test looks for symptoms of problem anxiety. It asks about symptoms related to 8 types of anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, specific phobia, illness anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder) plus problem anxiety not easily tied to one disorder. Each disorder is different, but they all affect the way you experience anxiety.

Mental well-being screening test

This screening self-test doesn't look at symptoms, but looks at about a dozen positive aspects of mental well-being from social support to self-esteem. It will encourage you to reflect on feelings, thoughts and behaviours most of us don't think about often enough, but are important features of wellness. It doesn't cover every feature, however, so at the end of the self-test, we'll provide you links to other screenings we like that go even deeper.

Body image screening test

A healthy body image is an integral part of our self-esteem and well-being. This two-in-one brief screening self-test looks at attitudes and behaviours you might have about your body shape and about your eating. While the screen can't tell you if you have an eating disorder—only part of the spectrum of poor body image—it can help you reflect and give you a sense if you may benefit from extra support. 

Cannabis use screening test

This brief four-item screening self-test for people who use cannabis, even occasionally, takes a non-judgmental approach. It helps you reflect on the reasons you use, what effects you're seeking, and potential areas where use may increase harms.

Checking in on Alcohol

This screening helps you reflect on your use of, and relationship with, alcohol. Note that our alcohol and substance use screens do not provide a score like the other screens, so do not supply levels of relative risk for harm from your use. What they intend is to help you identify areas of concern you may want to think about or act on.

All screenings in one

If you would like to take all our mental health and substance use screenings one after another, with a summary profile at the end, try our all-in-one option. You still have the option to skip a screen you don't want to take.

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  • eVisions: BC's Mental Health and Substance Use Journal, a theme-based magazine
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  • Within Reach: Resources from HeretoHelp
  • Jessie's Legacy eating disorders prevention resources, events and information

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