A mental health screening gives you a simple, confidential, private, and anonymous way to think more critically about some of the feelings you’re having.
Experiencing stress, especially when going through something difficult like a divorce, loss of a loved one, or anniversary of a traumatic event, is very common. For members of the military community these feelings may be tied to post-traumatic stress or isolation after leaving the military. Often these feelings pass, and other times, they may be tied to something deeper.
Stress is something that we all encounter and at times may feel overwhelming. If those periods of significant stress are occurring often, it may feel hard to know if what you are feeling is just a stress response or something else. If you’re concerned that something isn’t right, but you aren’t sure what it means, there are simple, anonymous screenings you can take to help you make sense of what you’re experiencing and help you get the treatment you deserve – from suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) screenings to depression and substance use screenings.
Learn more about the importance of mental health screenings, how they work, and what screenings are available to help you make informed decisions about your mental health.
The Importance of Mental Health Screenings
A mental health screening gives you a simple, confidential, private, and anonymous way to think more critically about some of the feelings you’re having. A mental health screening can give you the language you need to identify confusing feelings and ask for help. For example, if you’re having sleep disturbances and are feeling anxious at night, a screening may help you figure out whether it is a symptom related to PTSD or if it’s simply that you have poor sleep habits and need a new sleep routine.
A screening can also help you identify symptoms of a mental health issue before it escalates into something more serious. Evidence shows that early screening and intervention are often most effective, whereas untreated symptoms of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD can take a serious toll on your physical and mental health, as well as your daily life.
Many people avoid talking about mental health issues, so a screening can provide a way to begin a difficult conversation. Many military members and Veterans have a strong, “tough it out” mentality that helps them thrive in difficult, stressful situations. Still, when it comes to mental health, this can be detrimental in the long run. If you choose to share, a healthcare provider can use the results of your screening to have a more informed conversation with you about your needs and help you determine whether you may benefit from further evaluation or treatment.
How Screenings Work
Each screening you take 
will look and feel a little different, but here are some important things to remember:
- Screenings are confidential and anonymous. Your answers aren’t sent to anyone; they aren’t collected, and they’re not stored.
- Screenings are a tool for your personal use. They do not force you to do anything else, such as talk to someone or seek treatment. You can take a screening at any time, and only you can decide what to do with the information and feedback you receive.
- Screenings cannot give you a diagnosis. Only a medical professional can do that. A screening can simply help you determine whether it’s a good idea to see a professional or connect with other resources for further assessment and information.
- Screenings are designed to be short, often 10 questions or less, with a focus on things like your mood, thinking, behavior, sleep, and memory.
Screening Options
There are several mental screenings available for Veterans and members of the military community. If you feel like something isn’t quite right, consider using a screening as a first step toward getting help.
PTSD Screening – If you’ve experienced any kind of trauma, this anonymous screening offered through the National Center for PTSD can help you see whether you might have symptoms related to PTSD. It’s a short list of questions that can help you determine if you need to speak to a professional for further assessment and information.
Depression Screening – If you’ve felt down or not quite right for a while, use this brief screening tool offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to see if you’re experiencing symptoms of depression and if proven treatments for depression may be helpful to you.
Substance Use Screening – If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, use this brief screening tool offered by VA to see if proven treatments like Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Substance Use Disorders may be helpful to you. Your results will provide feedback on your potential health risks and other problems related to these substances, as well as help to connect you with useful resources for support.
Veterans Crisis Line
Self-Check Quiz – VA and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline joined with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to create the Veterans Self-Check Quiz. It’s a confidential, safe, and easy way to help you understand what you’re going through, recognize signs of stress and depression, and figure out whether it may be a good idea to seek professional help from VA or community-based services. Your answers will be reviewed by an experienced counselor (anonymously) who will send you a personal response through a secure website, and then you can decide what to do next. Participants can always reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 for confidential crisis support at any time. Dial 988 and press 1.
Resources
- Your TRICARE plan offers mental health resources and support for conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. Appointment options include in-person and telemental.
- VA has mental health support and treatment options for a wide range of issues such as PTSD, depression, military sexual trauma, and more. VA also offers Veteran Training courses that are free and confidential. Veterans can take courses on anger management, sleep issues, and more.
- Websites such as AboutFace and MaketheConnection share the stories of Veterans who have experienced mental health issues and benefited from treatment and support.
- Military OneSource offers free confidential counseling and support for issues such as managing stress, parenting, dealing with anger or anxiety, and more.
A mental health screening is a great way for you to take control of your health and wellness. You can decide what support you need to feel your best.