I took a mental-health screener. What should I do with the result?

Validated screeners are useful because they convert vague suffering into a measurable starting point. They are not a verdict, a label or a substitute for a clinician.

People make two mistakes: dismissing a high score because 'I am still functioning', or panicking as if the score is a permanent diagnosis. The correct use is baseline, severity estimate and treatment navigation.

Save the score and date. Read the severity band. If mild, start with self-help, sleep, exercise and AI-guided support. If moderate, consider a clinician. If severe, or if any safety item is positive, prioritise human care. Repeat the screener after two to four weeks to track movement.

Any self-harm answer, severe impairment, psychosis, mania or inability to care for yourself overrides the total score. Get help immediately. Scores guide; safety decides.