Mental Health Questionnaire

What is the DASS-21?

The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) is a validated psychological instrument developed by the University of New South Wales. It consists of 21 items across three scales:

• Depression (7 items) — measures hopelessness, low mood, lack of interest, and self-deprecation
• Anxiety (7 items) — measures physical arousal, panic, and situational anxiety
• Stress (7 items) — measures tension, irritability, and difficulty relaxing

How to interpret your results

Each scale produces a score from 0 to 42. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms:

Need a certificate for mental health leave?

If anxiety, depression, or stress is affecting your ability to work or study, you may be entitled to medical leave. A valid medical certificate from a registered GP can support your absence. Learn more about our mental health medical certificate — for short-term leave when you need one.

Crisis support

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7)
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• Emergency: 000