[by.grace]

So my score jumped from 56 to 131 in less than 2 weeks. This is probably not a good sign, is it?

Probably not a good sign, for sure. Are you seeing a therapist?
Also, my latest score has also been 131. We're sanity score twins!

[by.grace]

Back at you, SS# Twin! That's cool!

Such a blessing to be in university getting to study psychology, especially now with all the exciting new developments. They're even completely redesigning the DSM5 coming out in 2013, finally acknowledging the overlap & blending of mental issues.

No, wish I was seeing therapist. Don't have medical insurance. Guess I get to be my own therapist. Currently physically as well as mentally challenged.

Spent most of my energy for last two years trying to get someone to help my homeless friend who has multiple co-occurring disabilities, diseases, disorders & addictions. He is finally safe in a residential treatment program & I thank God everyday.

Now I've got time to think about me. Do you think I ought to get started?

[Perna]

It's not a hard-and-fast number; can differ just by thinking about the questions different since they're self-reported. Sounds like you might be under more stress than you were a couple weeks ago?

One good thing; the "total" one can get is nearly 300 so you probably still have a "passing" grade, a "C"? LOL

One thing I look at when I take the test is is the categories are the same each time. When they are (life experiences is a big one for me) I look at what they are and realize the actual number/score doesn't mean as much as what the category is; I have a life issue with "X" so I keep chugging away and working on/with it. Some categories, like life experiences (whatever it's called like that) can't really be helped as they are major things that happened to us (my mother died when I was a toddler) and can't really ever be "fixed" or undone so I work to just more or less accept and relax about them rather than struggle so hard around them and maybe injure myself further :-)

Yes, I'm really excited about going to university next year. Nervous too though! I'm also excited about the new changes in the DSM. I've been reading up about them. One change I'm happy about is the potential additon of internet addiction, which I suffer from.

And yes, it's definitely time to start thinking about YOU. Since you don't have medical insurance, you could always make changes that don't cost an arm and a leg. For example, exercising regularly, eating healthy, participating in weekly PC chats, joining a community self-help group, meditation/yoga, etc... It would also be helpful if you have people you're close to that you can talk to about your mental health concerns.

Sending hugs your way, hoping that you're feeling better soon.