I recently came across a personality survey hiding in the backwoods of the Black Dog Institute website.

It seems intuitive that personality plays a part in whether a person develops depression. There is a huge gap between someone who is optimistic and active in making their situation better, and another who feels helpless and passive about their circumstances.

It follows that analysis of your personality may give you a better understanding of the causes of your depression, to the extent that it is caused by personality factors. And understanding these causes will help you to more effectively treat your illness.

The Black Dog survey examines 8 personality categories relevant to depression - anxious worrying, irritability, social avoidance, personal reserve, self-criticism, perfectionism, interpersonal sensitivity and self-focus.

My score on irritability was high, which I expected. Thankfully there were no other areas of concern, but admittedly when I took the survey I had been stable for a while. As a check I asked Anna to repeat the survey based on how she sees me. The scores were very close, which gives me comfort. It seems that I view myself in a similar way to others, which surprises me.

The survey would suit anyone willing to look in the mirror and make changes for the better. It was designed as a depression tool, but I think anyone could make good use of it.

For more background information about the survey download the news release or go directly to the start page.