National Depression Screening Day
Today, October 10, 2019 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, see move in cleaning in phoenix az. 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