Facts From National Depression Screening Day

This year, National Depression Screening Day fell on October 11th. In fact, major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability for Americans between the ages of 15 and 44. Mental illness also is associated with a greater occurrence of chronic diseases, including asthma, cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and obesity. Approximately 30 percent of teenagers with depression will develop substance abuse issues.

Depression can be caused by an imbalance in an individual’s brain chemistry. However, it also can be triggered by other physical illnesses, relationship problems, sleep deprivation, stress and/or traumatic events. Symptoms of depression include feeling anxious, hopeless, irritable, lonely and unfocused. While people who are depressed can be aggressive or self-destructive, they often seem “fine” to their family and friends. Three times more female adolescents develop depression than their male peers do.

If you feel unable to meet others’ expectations, overreact to criticism, confront apathy that interferes with meeting your obligations or participating in social activities, lack coping skills to deal with day-to-day problems, have difficulties with your memory or thinking, experience extreme highs with rushed thoughts and bursts of energy, or face compulsive behaviors like excessive eating or shopping, you may have depression. A variety of screening tests are available, including one created by Mental Health America.

Depression is a serious illness and, if left untreated, can become life threatening. Up to 80 percent of individuals who receive professional help show an improvement in their symptoms, often within four to six weeks. By decreasing stigma around mental health issues and encouraging individuals to seek assistance for their depression, we can change and save lives! Screen4Depression #ChangeMentalHealth