September 23, 2017
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Oct. 5 is known throughout the country as National Depression Screening Day, and it’s a great time to shed light on the issue.
Although generally labeled as a depression screening, the survey actually scans for three other mental health issues in addition to depression: generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder
Participating in National Depression Screening Day is just one way to increase overall wellness. Mental health is often a tough place to navigate and can be scary to go through alone.
The screenings can help provide support and information on how to go about dealing with mental health.
The depression screenings are helpful to provide emotional support through in-person interaction, where your results can be discussed with a qualified individual. The confidential nature of the screening is also beneficial to providing ease of mind for the participant so they may be comfortable answering the questions truthfully.
Everyone experiences sadness from time to time, but depression is more than occasional sadness. Today is National Depression Screening Day (NDSD), an annual event to raise awareness of the disease and offer screenings for related mood and anxiety disorders. The public is encouraged to participate in screening events or take an anonymous depression screening online at www.HelpYourselfHelpOthers.org. There are screening programs geared specifically toward military personnel and their families, college students, employees and the general public. To learn more about depression and mind/body health, visit www.apa.org/helpcenter and on Twitter at @APAHelpCenter.
Please remember that you are not alone. If you are dealing with something difficult, there are several resources available for you to take advantage of. National Depression Screening Day is just one way to get some help or advice on a mental health issue, so please reach out when you need a hand.
