Mental Health Matters - October 2017
Depression Awareness Month
National Depression Screening Day 2017
October 5, 2017
For more than two decades, Screening for Mental Health has developed programs to educate, raise awareness, and screen individuals for common behavioral and mental health disorders and suicide. We envision a world where mental health is viewed and treated with the same gravity as physical health, and the public’s participation in National Depression Screening Day helps make that vision a reality.
National Depression Screening Day, held annually on the Thursday of the first full week in October, is an education and screening event conducted by hospitals, clinics, colleges, and community groups nationwide. Much like the medical community screens for diabetes and high blood pressure, we wanted to offer large-scale mood disorder screenings for the public. The program provides free, anonymous screenings for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as referral to treatment resources. Screenings are held both online and in-person and thousands of people participate each year.
This year, we’re focusing on the importance of seeking help. Depression is a common and treatable mood disorder, and spreading awareness about the different ways those dealing with it can get help could save lives. Please join us this National Depression Screening Day and help us spread the word to increase awareness of mental health.