Deciding whether you need psychiatric care can feel overwhelming. You might know something isn’t right but still feel unsure whether your experiences are “serious enough” to reach out for professional help. That uncertainty is incredibly common — and it’s often the very reason people delay getting support.
If you’re not ready to make an appointment yet, mental health screening tools can be a helpful first step. They don’t provide a diagnosis, but they can help you understand what you’re experiencing and whether it might be time to speak with a mental health professional.
Screening Questions to Ask Yourself
Below are examples of the kinds of questions commonly included in mental health screenings. If several resonate with you — especially if they’ve been present for weeks or months — it may be a sign that additional support could be helpful.
Feeling Empty or Hopeless
- Do you often feel numb, empty, or disconnected from yourself or others?
- Have you lost interest in things that used to bring you joy?
- Do you feel hopeless about the future or struggle to imagine things improving?
- Are you frequently exhausted, even after resting?
Persistent feelings of emptiness or hopelessness can be associated with depression or other mood disorders — and they’re not something you have to push through alone.
Troubled by Traumatic Events
- Do memories of a traumatic experience intrude into your thoughts or dreams?
- Do you avoid people, places, or situations that remind you of something painful?
- Do you feel constantly on edge, hyper-alert, or easily startled?
- Do you feel emotionally detached or disconnected since the event?
Trauma doesn’t have to look dramatic or obvious to have a lasting impact. If a past experience continues to affect your present life, support can make a meaningful difference.
Experiencing Mood Swings
- Do your moods shift quickly or intensely without a clear reason?
- Do you experience periods of high energy followed by emotional crashes?
- Do others comment on changes in your mood or behavior?
- Do your emotions feel hard to control?
Mood instability can be distressing and confusing — and it’s often treatable with the right care.
Constantly Worried or Anxious
- Do you feel anxious most days, even when nothing specific is wrong?
- Do you struggle to relax or feel “keyed up” all the time?
- Do racing thoughts interfere with sleep or concentration?
- Do physical symptoms (tight chest, nausea, headaches) accompany your worry?
Chronic anxiety can take a real toll on your body and mind. Screening tools can help clarify whether what you’re experiencing goes beyond everyday stress.
Struggling With Substance Use
- Do you use alcohol or substances to cope with stress, emotions, or sleep?
- Have you tried to cut back but found it difficult?
- Do substances interfere with your relationships, work, or health?
- Do you feel guilt or shame about your use?
Substance use often overlaps with mental health concerns — and addressing both together can be key to long-term healing.
Concerned About a Family Member
- Has a loved one’s behavior or mood changed noticeably?
- Do they seem withdrawn, hopeless, or unusually irritable?
- Are you worried about their safety or ability to cope?
- Do you feel unsure how to help or when to intervene?
Screening tools can also help caregivers and family members better understand when professional support may be needed.
At MidWest Center for Personal & Family Development, our screening tools are designed to help you take that first step at your own pace. Whether you decide to move forward now or later, understanding your mental health is a powerful act of self-care.