Should I see a psychologist?

guest148 · ‎12-10-2014

Hi everyone,

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, but recently I've taken to MMPI-2 test online and found that I scored quite high on the depression scale. I'm not sure what to make of this, I don't really feel like I'm depressed, not enough to score that highly, at least. Should I go to a psychologist to make sure? I'm worried that I'm concerned over nothing and will waste their time.

Thanks in advance.

Doolhof · ‎12-10-2014

Hi JohnHadron,

Welcome to Beyond Blue. Thanks for your interesting message. Firstly, I am not familiar with MMPI-2 so can you please explain tome what that is exactly?

I am wondering if a group of your friends took this same test, what would their results be? Maybe if you take this test on a day when you have had an excellent time, your results will be different. As I am not really sure what the test is, I hope this makes some sense.

As you don't really feel depressed, and you are surprised your score was so high, then I would say you are probably more than likely not suffering from depression. We all have low days, and I am wondering why you took this test in the first place, what were you looking for or hoping to achieve from the results?

I sometimes go to my Dr. with information I have found off the internet and tell him I have been checking things out with Dr. Google again. We have a good laugh over it, as a symptom I have can be caused by so many different things.

If you are concerned about your mental health, do you have a print out of your results from this test? You could take them to your Dr and ask what he or she thinks, just to reassure yourself that you are fine. That is my best advice to you at this stage.

Looking after your mental health is just as important as your physical and emotional health. Hope this helps a little. I'd like to learn more about this test and why you took it out of curiosity.

Cheers form Mrs. Dools.

guest148 · ‎12-10-2014

Hi Mrs Dools,

Thanks for your reply. The MMPI-2 is the most widely used clinical tool to assess psychopathology. It's had decades of research put into it, and has several measures built in to assess consistency of responses.

I have always a strong interest in self-improvement and psychology which may have been a result of my emotionally rough adolescent years, and a sense that there is something slightly 'off' about me. This is the reason I took the test, but I didn't expect these results.

geoff · ‎13-10-2014

dear John, welcome to the site.

Can I firstly suggest that you read a few comments on other posts and whether you can relate to any of them, and secondly maybe you have just become accustomed to the way you feel, because you have had it so long. Geoff.

Doolhof · ‎13-10-2014

Hi John,

Thanks for the explanation about MMPI-2.So if I Google that, will the test come up for me or do you have to go to a special site to participate?

Congratulations to you for wanting to improve your self in all aspects of your life. I commend you for that.

You mentioned you had some rough adolescent years, if you are wanting to share your story, this site is a good place to do so. People here relate to various levels of depression and anxiety suffered through events and happenings of our lives.

You wrote you hadn't expected the results you received, so are surprised your depression levels were above your expectation. You are aware now, so I guess you have to consider what you are going to do with the realisation of the results.

You have an interest in self improvement and psychology, so you probably already understand a lot of techniques for comprehending why we think and act the way we do. Enhance your searching and you can discover your own answers. By all means, go and see a Dr. and request a psychologist appointment if you want/need a professional diagnosis.

Like Geoff mentioned, there may have been something happening in your life to trigger you to do the test and discover your levels, and as you have lived with this condition previously, how do you feel your depression has affected you? Do you need to or want to make changes? Some things for you to ponder.

Thanks for getting back to us. Cheers for now, from Mrs. Dools

guest148 · ‎14-10-2014

Thank you for your replies, Geoff and Mrs Dools.

I've decided the best thing to do is probably see a psychologist just to make sure everything's ok.

Mrs Dools, if you'd like to take the test, you can google 'MMPI-2 liquidccd' it should be the first result. Be warned though, it contains 567 questions, so it will take a while to complete.

Doolhof · ‎14-10-2014

Hi John,

All the best with the psychologist appointment. I hope you discover the answers you are looking for, and you are then able to move on with your life and make any improvements you feel are necessary to your mental health and your total well being.

Thanks for the information regarding the MMPI-2 test. I will give it a go.

This site is always available for you to connect with us if you want to share more of your story and of your successes. I appreciate reading people's remarks about the advances they are making in their health and well being. So if you have some strategies that will help others, then please share them with us all.

Wishing you well with your future, your plans, dreams and ambitions.

All the best, from Mrs. Dools.