Nearly 40 million adults in the U.S. struggle with depression or anxiety on a daily basis. In fact, if you are reading this, chances are you either know someone who suffers from anxiety or depression or you, yourself, suffer.
While many people experience feelings of anxiety or depression and are still able to go about their daily lives, for others, their anxiety and/or depression is so debilitating that it keeps them from being able to live a normal life.
With so many people being affected either directly or indirectly by depression, it’s important to raise awareness not just for the condition itself, but the effect it can have on the person suffering and those around them.
That’s one of the many reasons why October 6-12 is Mental Illness Awareness Week, highlighted by National Depression Screening Day on October 10th.
What is National Depression Screening Day?
As the name implies, National Depression Screening Day is a yearly event held during Mental Illness Awareness Week that is dedicated to encouraging those who may be struggling with anxiety or depression to get screened.
During National Depression Screening Day, many healthcare providers, mental health advocacy groups, and educational institutions offer free, confidential screenings to those interested in assessing their mental health and determining whether they might be experiencing symptoms of depression.
The goal of National Depression Screening Day is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, including depression, as well as raise awareness about the prevalence of depression, and encourage early intervention.
When is National Depression Screening Day?
National Depression Screening Day is always held the week of Mental Health Awareness Week. This year, Mental Health Awareness Week is October 6-12 with National Depression Screening Day being held on the 10th.
Both National Depressing Screening Day and Mental Health Awareness Week are part of a large-scale effort in the month of October to raise awareness for mental health struggles as a whole and, in 2024, National Depression Screening Day also falls on the same day as World Mental Health Day.
What is the timeline of National Depression Screening Day?
While the first-ever National Depression Screening Day was held in 1991, raising awareness for not just depression but mental health as a whole can be dated back to 1946 when the National Mental Health Act became law, thus paving the way for the creation of the National Institute of Mental Health.
In 1949, the National Institute of Mental Health created Mental Health Week to help raise awareness for not just the symptoms of depression but the impact it can have on both the person suffering and their friends, family members, and loved ones.
In the early days of National Depression Screening Day, the event targeted mostly college campuses, military bases, and workplaces. However, today, National Depression Screening Day is recognized nationwide and has become a key event during Mental Illness Awareness Week. The day is marked by mental health clinics, schools, and community organizations offering free depression screenings and educational programs.
What Are the Signs of Depression?
While the feelings associated with anxiety and depression may be common, for those suffering from depression, the symptoms often pop up for no reason and can last for an extended period of time, sometimes making it difficult for the person suffering to be able to perform even basic functions.
Knowing some of the common signs of depression can go a long way in properly determining if you or someone you know is suffering from depression, whether it be on October 10th or any of the other 364 days of the year.
Common signs and symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent sadness
- Feeling empty
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Fatigue or an overall lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Changes in appetite
- Unexplained physical problems that don’t go away with treatment
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
If you or someone you know is experiencing one or more of these symptoms for a prolonged period of time, it is important to speak with a mental health professional and get a depression screening.
Why is National Depression Screening Day Important?
As we touched on in the introduction, depression is something that nearly 40 million Americans deal with on a daily basis. However, when you factor in those around the person suffering, such as friends, family members, and coworkers, the number of people who are affected by depression is even higher.
While we all should be raising awareness for, and continuing to destigmatize mental health conditions on a daily basis, National Depression Screening Day is a day when we can all shine a light specifically on depression, helping encourage those suffering from depression to get the help that they need.
Like many mental health conditions, when caught early, depression can be effectively treated, allowing the person suffering to go back to enjoying their life to the fullest. National Depression Screening Day not only encourages those suffering to get screened for depression, but it also raises awareness about the availability of treatment options, whether that be therapy, lifestyle changes, or both.
What Depression Programs Does Peak Wellness Offer?
At Peak Wellness, we understand the importance of education and raising awareness not just for depression, but for all mental health conditions. If you or a loved one is suffering from a mental health condition, such as depression, we offer a number of treatment options including standard Outpatient Treatment and Intensive Outpatient Treatment.
As part of our treatment programs, we offer a variety of therapy options as well including:
- Individual Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
How to Observe National Depression Screening Day
Whether you know someone suffering from depression, you are suffering from depression, or you just want to help raise awareness for depression, there are many ways that you can observe National Depression Screening Day this October 10th.
If you are looking for some ways to help out, here are some things you can do:
- Take a screening
- Educate yourself
- Share resources with others
- Support mental health organizations
- Start a conversation about mental health
Peak Wellness Supports National Depression Screening Day
At Peak Wellness, we are proud to support National Depression Screening Day. Our commitment to mental health care is reflected in the services we provide and the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about depression. On October 10th, and every day, we encourage individuals to prioritize their mental well-being and take advantage of the resources available to them.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, contact us today.
