National Depression Screening Day

National Depression Screening Day

October 8, 2015

By: Staci Lee Schnell, M.S.,C.S.,LMFT

National Depression Screening Day

Today, October 8, 2015 is National Depression Screening Day. Clinical depression is a common medical illness affecting more than 19 million American adults each year. Depression is a condition in which a person can feel discouraged, sad, hopeless, unmotivated, or disinterested in life in general. Major depression affects the way a person thinks, feels, behaves, and functions in their daily life.  It is however, a treatable illness. Like screenings for other illnesses, depression screenings should be a routine part of one’s healthcare.

Why Screen for Depression?

• Depression is a serious medical illness.
• Clinical Depression can lead to suicide.
• Depression is not a normal part of life.
• Clinical Depression affects men and women of all ages, races and socioeconomic groups.
• Depression can occur with and complicate other medical conditions.
• Clinical Depression can be treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
• Screenings are the first step in getting help.

Who Should Get Screened?

People suffering from Depression often experience some of these key symptoms:

• Sad, Anxious or Numb Feelings
• Sleep Issues (sleeping too much or too little)
• Appetite Issues (loss of appetite or increased appetite)
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Lack of Interest
• Lack of Focus
• Lack of Energy
• Thoughts of Death or Suicidal Thoughts

Online Depression Screenings:

Depression Screening from Mental Health America:

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/mental-health-screen/patient-health

Depression Screening from Anxiety and Depression Association of America:

http://www.adaa.org/iving-with-anxiety/ask-and-learn/screenings/screening-depression

Screenings are not a professional diagnosis. Screenings merely point out if depressive symptoms are apparent. One should see a doctor or a qualified mental health professional if experiencing depressive symptoms for more than two weeks or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with one’s daily life.

Resources:

http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/ask-and-learn/resources

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/