DASS Test & Its Interpretation

Have you ever heard of the term DASS? DASS or Depression, Anxiety & Stress Scale is a preliminary test to determine the level of depression, anxiety, and stress that you are experiencing. You can simply do the DASS test online or at your local clinics.

Many people agreed that stress has a huge impact on their lives. However, it will be gone on its own when the things causing the stress also go away. But stress that is prolonged or chronic can lead to anxiety and depression.

Because of that, it is crucial for each one of us to learn how to overcome stress so that it will not bring us problems in the future. Chronic stress will have a negative effect on one's health. In fact, symptoms such as headaches, hypertension, chest pain, sleep disturbance, and many other problems will start to appear.

This test will evaluate our mental condition in 3 stages which are depression, anxiety, and stress. If you are unsure or would like to try it, you can easily perform the task at home to know your own stress level at the current time.

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What is DASS Test?

Firstly, we have to understand what is DASS test and why is it important in our lives. DASS test or DASS-21 is a self-test to examine the level of depression, anxiety, and stress of a person.

By the end of the test, you would know the scale level(normal, mild, moderate, severe, and extremely severe) for all 3 stages. Every country will have its own test that has been translated into their local language so that it will be easier for you to understand it.

Research has shown that one of the differences between depression, anxiety, and stress experienced by a healthy individual compared to those with mental health will be the seriousness of the issue.

If you managed to score high marks on the DASS test, it is highly likely that you are experiencing a serious emotional disturbance. Nevertheless, DASS is only one form of preliminary test and it is not an absolute diagnosis.

To get the true results, one must first consult a doctor or a psychologist. But then again, you would have to retake the test carefully and truthfully.

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Why Do We Feel Depressed?

Stress is a normal reaction to the things that are happening around us. Not just that but the human body is designed to overcome and feel stress at the same time.

When we are confronted with a problem, our body will give a particular response to those problems. What we are feeling then is considered stress. One should also know that not all forms of stress can be negative as there are some that are positive.

For instance, if you have an exam tomorrow or need to attend an interview, you will feel stress in your body so you will work hard and even stay up all night preparing for it. The most important thing to take note of is the duration of such stress as it will bring our physical and mental health down with it.

We will mostly feel tired, anguished, or despaired to the extent that we feel anxious in the end. The stress level that has been going on for so long will eventually lead to depression.

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What Can You Learn From DASS Test?

By doing this test one can learn:

The level of depression, anxiety, and stress that you are experiencing.
Is the level of each condition worrying?
Does each condition lead to physical symptoms like difficulty in breathing, rapid heartbeat, and others?
After a certain period of time, you might have to reanswer the DASS test to know if your condition is getting better or worsening after getting the treatment.

With the help of the psychologist, you will further know in detail about your mental health status after answering this test. You can even perform the test online before making an appointment.

If you feel that the score obtained is too bad, then perhaps paying a visit to your local clinic might be necessary. You can perform the task at home first and hand it over to the doctors for further assessment.

Do not be shy if you have been diagnosed with a mental disorder as similar to other diseases, it needs to be treated properly. Without a proper diagnosis, this issue will not be resolved on its own.

The community needs to hold no stigmas regarding mental health issues. Worry not as this problem can go away once you act quickly by getting the required treatment.

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