Quick answer
What happens after a mental health screening is up to you. You get feedback on what your answers suggest, and you can choose whether to do anything with it. A screening is often the first step towards support or treatment, but it is not a diagnosis, and there is no obligation to act on it.
What a free screening result shows
After a free screening, you may get basic feedback on whether your answers suggest distress, anxiety or low mood. Mind explains that this can help you decide whether you want to look for further help, and that you don't have to.
The NHS describes screening as a way to understand whether you might be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. The results may suggest whether further assessment or support is advisable.
Here is what a result is and isn't:
- It is a snapshot of how you have been feeling, based on the answers you gave.
- It is a way to put words to something you may have been struggling to name.
- It is not a diagnosis. Screening questionnaires are widely used to help estimate symptoms of depression and anxiety, but they are not formal diagnoses.
- It is not a verdict on you. Only a conversation with a qualified professional can say what is going on.
Mindhelpa's free and private mental health screening covers areas such as depression, anxiety, ADHD and burnout. It is not a diagnosis. It is a way to take a first step without having to speak to anyone.
What the optional report adds
Some services offer an optional, more detailed report after your screening. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, a report like this typically includes:
- information about your symptoms
- relevant self-care tips
- possible options for follow-up or support
Mindhelpa offers optional reports and consultations alongside the free screening. The report is not needed to understand your basic result, and it is not a diagnosis either. If you aren't sure whether it would help, start with the free result and see how you feel. For what the optional report includes, check the screening page before you decide.
Your next steps: a simple checklist
You don't have to do all of this, or any of it. Take what is useful and leave the rest.
- Pause. Read your result once, then give yourself some time. A result can bring up relief, worry, or both.
- Check it against your life. Does it match what you've noticed? Sleep, appetite, energy, concentration and mood are all worth thinking about.
- Make a few notes. Write down what you've noticed, how long it has been going on, and how it affects your day. These notes can help in any later conversation.
- Decide who, if anyone, to tell. You are not required to share your results with anyone.
- Choose a next step that feels manageable. That could be talking to a friend, speaking to your GP, or looking at support options. The guide to every route to mental health help in the UK lays them out.
- Come back if you need to. Feelings change. You can take a screening again later if things shift.
If your result leaves you unsure whether what you feel is low mood or something more, Am I Depressed or Just Sad? may help you think it through.
Talking to your GP, and what can follow
If you decide to speak to a GP about your mental health, you can bring your results or report to help guide the conversation. They are a starting point, not a script you have to follow. If you'd like help finding the words, How to Talk to Your GP About Depression has a simple script.
If further assessment is suggested, you may be referred for a more detailed evaluation with a mental health professional or a local NHS mental health service. Waiting times for specialist assessment or treatment in the NHS can vary by region and demand, so check the official NHS page for current information.
You also don't have to wait for a particular result. Whatever your screening shows, you can still access self-help resources or talking therapies directly from NHS services or partner organisations if you feel you need support.
If you are thinking about medication, don't start, stop or change anything on your own. Speak to your GP or pharmacist.
If you haven't yet taken a screening and would like a free and private place to begin, you can try the Mindhelpa screening. It is not a diagnosis, and what you do with the result is up to you.
When to get urgent help
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. NHS 111 (England and Wales) or NHS 24 on 111 (Scotland) for urgent medical advice. Samaritans: call 116 123 (free, 24 hours). Text SHOUT to 85258. In Northern Ireland, contact your GP or call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. This article is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.
Frequently asked questions
Is a screening result the same as a diagnosis?
No. A screening gives an indication based on your answers. Screening questionnaires can help estimate symptoms, but they are not formal diagnoses. Only a qualified professional can diagnose a condition.
Do I have to share my results with anyone?
No. You are not required to share your screening results with anyone. If you do speak to a GP, you can bring them along to help guide the conversation.
What if my results suggest I need urgent help?
If you have thoughts of harming yourself, the NHS advises seeking immediate support through NHS urgent mental health helplines, Samaritans, or A&E. The numbers are in the "When to get urgent help" section above.
What if my results look fine but I still feel unwell?
How you feel matters, whatever a result says. You can still reach out for self-help resources or talking therapies regardless of your screening results. Speaking to your GP is also always an option.