How Healthy Is Your Mind?

Vernon Coleman





More people than ever before are seeking help from psychiatrists and psychologists.

One in six girls and one in nine boys will, at some time in their lives, need treatment as in-patients in mental hospitals.

At least three quarters of all the problems treated by doctors originate wholly or partly in the mind. Millions of people are unable to sleep, relax or cope with every day problems without pills.

So, how healthy is your mind?

Are you heading for trouble?

This self screening questionnaire is designed to help you discover any weak points before serious problems develop.

Answer the questions carefully - and honestly - and find out if you need to change the way you live in order to strengthen your mind!


1. ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT 12 MONTHS? a) a lot (score AAA)
b) a bit (score AA)
c) not at all (score A)

2. DO YOU WORRY ABOUT THINGS EVEN THOUGH YOU KNOW THAT THEY ARE UNIMPORTANT?
a) a lot (score BBB)
b) a bit (score BB)
c) not at all (score B)

3. DO YOU FIND YOURSELF APOLOGISING TO PEOPLE?
a) a lot (score CCC)
b) a bit (score CC)
c) not at all (score C)

4. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE A GOOD LOVER?
a) yes (score C) b) no (score CCC)

5. DO YOU HAVE DREAMS AND HOPES FOR THE FUTURE?
a) no (score A)
b) yes, a few (score AA)
c) yes, a lot (score AAA)

6. DO YOU TELL THOSE WHOM YOU LOVE HOW YOU FEEL?
a) a lot (score DDD)
b) a bit (score DD)
c) not at all (score D)

7. IN A RESTAURANT THE SERVICE IS POOR. WOULD YOU STILL LEAVE A TIP?
a) yes (score E)
b) no (score EEE)

8. ARE YOU EASILY INTIMIDATED BY OTHER PEOPLE - PARTICULARLY PEOPLE IN UNIFORM?
a) yes (score E)
b) no (score EEE)

9. DO YOU FEEL EMBARRASSED OR ASHAMED OF YOURSELF?
a) a lot (score CCC)
b) a bit (score CC)
c) not at all (score C)

10. DO YOU GET UP IN THE MORNING LOOKING FORWARD TO THE DAY AHEAD?
a) always (score AAA)
b) occasionally (score AA)
c) never (score A)

11. DO YOU FEEL EMBARRASSED BY PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION?
a) a lot (score D)
b) a bit (score DD)
c) not at all (score DDD)

12. DO YOU FIND IT DIFFICULT TO RELAX?
a) a lot (score BBB)
b) a bit (score BB)
c) not at all (score B)

13. HOW OFTEN DO YOU GET UPSET WHEN THiNGS BREAK DOWN?
a) a lot (score BBB)
b) a bit (score BB)
c) not at all (score B)

14. DO YOU KEEP YOUR FEELINGS TO YOURSELF?
a) always (score D)
b) sometimes (score DD)
c) never (score DDD)


Now add up the umber of As, Bs, Cs, Ds and Es that you've scored.

IF YOU SCORED LESS THAN 5 "A"s
You're too much of a pessimist. The only advantage of being a pessimist is that because you expect little you're rarely disappointed. But pessimism can easily lead to anger, frustration, confusion and serious depression. Every time anything goes wrong your attitude will ensure that gloom will deepen. Try to establish a more positive approach to life. Try to make plans for the future that excite you. Begin new projects and make new friends with high hopes. A cautious, negative approach is bad for your mental health.

IF YOU SCORED MORE THAN 5 "B"s
You need to learn to relax. You're a worrier, and worry can do your mind - and your body - enormous damage. Try to spend at least half a day a week doing something that you find truly relaxing. Many people find that taking up a new hobby is particularly relaxing.

IF YOU SCORED MORE THAN 5 "C"s
You need more self confidence. The chances are that although you know what your weaknesses are you don't know what your strengths are. Sit down with a piece of paper and write down all the good things you can say about yourself. For example, which of these adjectives describe you: honest, generous, thoughtful, hard-working, punctual, careful, moral, kind, ambitious, creative.

IF YOU SCORED LESS THAN 5 "D"s
Holding in your emotions can damage your mental and physical health. Stored up inside you, sadness and anger can cause a considerable amount of damage. Try to share your feelings with other people. Talk to friends when you feel sad, happy or upset. Don't be afraid to show how you feel - with a kiss or a hug. Don't be afraid to cry if you feel like crying. And remember that saying "I love you" to the people you love can help them as well as you.

IF YOU SCORED LESS THAN 5 "E"s
You need to stand up for yourself more. Your life is being run by other people - and that can cause anger and frustration. Learn to stand your ground and stick up for yourself. You don't have to be rude - just be honest. You'll gain the self-respect of others. If you don't want to do something say so - as simply and as honestly as possible. If you feel you ought to complain then do so. The more you do it the easier it will become. You'll be surprised to find that people soon treat you with more consideration.


Copyright Vernon Coleman 2005 Home