You can check your mental health by self-monitoring warning signs and consulting a healthcare professional for a diagnosis. To self-monitor, look for changes in your eating or sleeping habits, social withdrawal, low energy, or severe mood swings. For a professional evaluation, a doctor will discuss your symptoms, conduct a physical exam, and may order lab tests to rule out physical causes, as well as a psychological evaluation or questionnaire.
Self-assessment
- Monitor your emotions and behavior: Notice any prolonged feelings of hopelessness, excessive worry, anger, or confusion.
- Track your daily habits: Pay attention to significant changes in your sleep patterns, eating habits, or energy levels.
- Observe your social interactions: Are you withdrawing from friends, family, or activities you used to enjoy?
- Assess your ability to function: Note any difficulty performing daily tasks like work, school, or caring for yourself and others.
- Note other physical symptoms: Be aware of new aches, pains, or other physical symptoms that may be linked to stress.
Professional evaluation
- Consult a healthcare provider: Talk to your primary care doctor, who can rule out physical causes for your symptoms.
- Undergo a physical exam and lab tests: Your doctor may perform a physical exam and order blood tests to check for conditions like thyroid disease that could mimic mental health issues.
- Participate in a psychological evaluation: A mental health professional will talk to you about your thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or other tests.
- Consider a referral: Your doctor may refer you to a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, for a more in-depth evaluation