ONE QUESTION THAT REVEALS YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

The psychology world loves testing. We will test, or at least try to test, everything. One Google search found a Psychology Today page with links to 105 different tests. The point of all these tests are for you to get to know yourself better in the hopes that this knowledge will help you find a romantic partner, point you in the direction of a career or help you understand why you do what you do.

There is one test you can self-administer right now. It is one question and takes about 15 seconds. The one question is this: How do you talk to yourself? This one question reveals how healthy or unhealthy you are mentally and also what you need to be working on in your life right now.

This question is one of the first things I ask a new client. I want to know are they harsh and critical? Overly anxious? Do they talk in a kind, loving way toward themselves? Are they fatalistic or hopeful?

We talk to ourselves all the time but often pay little attention because it seems so normal. If you would like to know your level of mental health take some time right now and pay attention to your inner dialogue. Turn off your phone, the radio, the TV, shut to door to your room or office and just listen to yourself. You might be surprised and even delighted at what you find. You also might realize how, at times, you can be your own worst enemy.

If you find that you are pessimistic or harsh begin to interrupt those thoughts with more honest, accurate and encouraging thoughts. I’m not going to pretend this is easy. We love our old patterns and bad habits but any movement towards health is progress even small steps. It all adds up to better mental health and more inner peace. Give it a try.