The Pros and Cons of Online Mental Health Questionnaires
Ever found yourself doom-scrolling and stumbled upon an online quiz titled "Are You Anxious?" or "Do You Have Depression?"
These online mental health questionnaires can feel like a quick and easy way to get some answers and to feel validated when you're feeling a certain way. But before you hit "submit," let's talk about the good, the bad, and the in-between of these digital quizzes.
The Pros: Quick, Accessible, and a Starting Point
Easy to Find and Use: No appointment needed! You can take these quizzes from the comfort of your bed at 2 AM. They're a great first step if you're curious about your mental health but aren't ready to talk to a professional.
Normalising Mental Health: Seeing these quizzes online can help you realise that you're not alone. The questions often cover things many young people experience, which can make you feel more understood and less isolated.
Vocabulary Check: They can give you the words to describe what you're feeling. Maybe you've been feeling "down" but didn’t know the term for it was "low mood," or you’ve been feeling "on edge" and the quiz introduces you to the concept of "anxiety." This can be super helpful for starting conversations later.
The Cons: The 'Not a Doctor' Disclaimer is a Big Deal
They're Not a Diagnosis: This is the most important thing to remember. These quizzes are not a substitute for a real mental health professional. A quiz can't understand your unique life experiences, your history, or the nuances of your feelings. A score of "high" on an anxiety quiz doesn't mean you have an anxiety disorder - it means it might be a good idea to talk to someone who can help you figure out what's really going on.
The "What If?" Factor: Getting a result you didn’t expect can sometimes be more stressful. A high score might cause you to panic, while a low score might make you feel like your feelings aren’t valid. Neither of these is helpful.
They're Often Simplified: Mental health is complex. These quizzes often have to oversimplify things to fit into a multiple-choice format. They can miss crucial details that a professional would pick up on during an assessment or meeting.
The Bottom Line
Online mental health quizzes can be a useful tool to start a conversation with yourself and others. They can be a great way to dip your toes in the water of self-awareness. But remember, they are just a starting point, not the finish line. If you're consistently feeling overwhelmed, sad, or just not yourself, the best next step is always to talk to a trusted adult, a school counsellor or a mental health professional.
Your feelings are always valid and you deserve real support.
Article date 4th August 2025
Article written by Dr Kate Donoghue, Bristol CBT Clinic