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ONLINE SELF-ASSESSMENT

Are you finding that your substance use is impacting on your studies? Are anxious thoughts making it hard for you to concentrate? Or are you having trouble motivating yourself to come to university? If you are experiencing such difficulties or have other concerns about the way you are thinking, feeling or behaving then it is important to try to identify whether you need to seek help. Below are some online self-assessment tools which are free and anonymous. They do not provide a diagnosis of specific mental health or substance use disorders, but can give you helpful information on your symptoms and behaviours, with information also provided here on where to seek help if needed.

ALCOHOL USE

Are you concerned about how much alcohol you are drinking? The Just Ask Us website has a useful alcohol self-assessment survey. If alcohol is becoming a problem, some quick tips on cutting down on your alcohol consumption from The Right Mix website may be helpful. For more extensive self-help information go to the Just Ask Us website where you will find other helpful sites with information, facts sheets and where to go to seek help if you have developed a problem with alcohol. For 24 hours advice, information and referral you can contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1800 422 599 (NSW country) or (02) 9361 8000 (Sydney).

CANNABIS USE

What about cannabis use? Do you feel that you are developing a dependency on smoking cannabis? You can go to the Just Ask Us website to complete a confidential assessment. If you are concerned about your cannabis use you can also access some cannabis use self-help materials from their website. Counselling around cannabis use is available from the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1800 422 599 (NSW country) or (02) 9361 8000 (Sydney) for 24 hours advice, information and referral.

EATING PROBLEMS/BODY IMAGE CONCERNS

Do you ever make yourself sick because you feel uncomfortably full?
Do you worry you have lost control over how much you eat?
Have you recently lost more than 6kg in a three month period?
Do you believe yourself to be fat when others say you are too thin?
Would you say that food dominates your life? *

* Morgan JF, Reid, F, Lacey JH. (1999), The SCOFF Questionnaire: assessment of a new screening tool for eating disorders. British Medical Journal, 319, 1467-1468.

Answering yes to two or more questions indicates a likely case of problematic eating and it is recommended that you seek further assessment and counselling from a qualified health professional. Even if you answered positively to only one of these questions, you may have developed a problem in your relationship to eating. Problems with eating can develop into more serious disorders that can affect your mental and physical health, impact on your ability to study effectively and in the worst cases be life threatening. If you think you are developing difficulties with food and body image, it is important to get seek help early. The Centre for Eating and Dieting Disorders has an extensive resource list of services and practitioners who specialize in helping people with eating problems. Some further resources can be found at the Just Ask Us website. Another option is to see your GP for an assessment and appropriate referral. Of course, you can also come and see one of our counsellors at the Counselling Service for an initial assessment and to discuss treatment options.

DIFFICULTIES WITH MOOD

Depression

Have you been experiencing a low mood or an unusual loss of interest or pleasure in activities you normally enjoy? Are you experiencing a feeling of wanting to escape or negative thoughts such as suicidal thinking? In the case of suicidal thinking it is important to seek help now. Go to our web page on Coping with Suicidal Thoughts for helpful information on dealing with suicidal thoughts including 24 hour contact numbers for crisis situations. If you are wanting to check your symptoms of low mood further go to the Beyond Blue website. Note that your results on this checklist do not provide a diagnosis of depression and are only an indication of whether you might be experiencing a low mood at present. If your results indicate that you may be depressed, it is important that you seek further assessment and treatment from a health professional such as a counsellor at the Counselling Service or your local GP.

Bipolar

Are you having rapid fluctuations in mood or more extreme moods that those around you? Or do you find that there are times when you are more likely to take risks? Are there times where you do not need to sleep, or feel like you have excessive energy and creative ideas? If you experience these symptoms you may wish to complete a bipolar screen. For information on bipolar disorder including a symptoms checklist go to the Beyond Blue website. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed, this does not constitute a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, but is an indication that a further assessment may be needed. If you are concerned about your mood swings then it is important to consult a doctor.

ANXIETY

Everybody experiences some level of stress and anxiety at different times in their lives. You may have read our webpage on Anxiety and Stress which looks at how prolonged stress can lead to anxiety as well as different types of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders can be quite debilitating and can impact on functioning in social situations and study. If you feel anxiety is hindering you or interfering with different areas in your life, check out the Beyond Blue website. To learn strategies to help manage anxiety, you can either see one of our registered psychologists at the Counselling Service for an initial interview and assessment or see your doctor who can provide assessment and referral to resources in your local area.

DO YOU NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP?

If, after completing these online self assessments, you still have symptoms or behaviours that you are concerned about it is important that you seek further assessment from a professional. If you have tried the self-help information on this site, and would like more assistance in developing skills to manage your concerns, a first step would be to attend the University Counselling Service. If you are an international student the International Student Support Unit can provide free and confidential counselling and assistance. Another option is to make an appointment with your GP for a thorough assessment and referral to an appropriate service in your area.