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National Depression Screening Day: Know the signs. Take action.National Depression Screening Day: Know the signs. Take action.

National Depression Screening Day is observed each October to focus attention on depression and other mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

Depression is a serious illness. The good news is that depression can be treated. Keep reading for information about the importance of screening for depression, common symptoms and resources.

Why is depression screening important?

Clinical depression is a serious medical illness affecting more than 19 million American adults each year. Did you know:

  • Clinical depression can lead to suicide.
  • Sometimes people with depression mistakenly believe that the symptoms of depression are a "normal part of life."
  • Clinical depression affects men and women of all ages, races and socioeconomic groups.
  • One in four women and one in 10 men will experience depression at some point during their lifetimes.
  • Two-thirds of those suffering from the illness do not seek the necessary treatment.
  • Depression can co-occur and complicate other medical conditions like diabetes.
  • Screenings are often the first step in getting help.

What are the symptoms of depression?

It's normal to feel sad once in a while. If you are feeling sad or "down" for more than 2 weeks at a time, you may be depressed. Some signs of depression include:

  • Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
  • Difficulty thinking or concentrating
  • Forgetting things or having trouble making decisions
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
  • Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy

What should I do if I think I am suffering from depression?

  • Get help. Don’t wait. If you think you might be depressed, see your doctor. Depression is treatable and nothing to be ashamed of. Get a medical checkup and talk with your doctor about how you are feeling. He or she recommend treatment options.
  • Move More. Getting active can help with depression. Exercise can lower your stress level as you begin treatment for depression. It can also keep you from getting depressed again.
  • Eat Smart. A healthy diet can also help with depression. Eating healthy will give you energy and lower your stress level as you begin treatment for depression.

Resources

  • Making Life Easier Program is a free support and referral program that provides tools and resources to help you resolve personal life problems. The program offers 8 free counseling sessions with a licensed professional per problem per year. Making Life Easier is free to benefit-eligible employees, their dependent family members, and anyone living in the employee’s household. Call the MLE program 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 888-874-7290.
  • WebMD offers an online depression center with a variety of information and tools.
  • National Institutes of Health offers an easy-to-read booklet on depression that explains what it is, when it starts, how long it lasts, and how to get help. The site also provides information tailored for women and seniors.
  • Mayo Clinic offers tips for supporting a loved one with depression.