National Depression Screening Day

October 6, 2011

Not all wounds are physical. Depression, PTSD and related mood disorders cannot be seen on an x-ray. Yet mental illness is just as painful. And the stigma associated with the disease often prevents many from seeking help and getting treated. National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) gives people access to an anonymous, validated screening questionnaire and provides referral information for treatment.

Why Screen for Depression?

• Clinical depression is a serious medical illness.
• 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 inten 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 complicate and occur along with other medical conditions.
• 10-15% of all depressions are triggered by other medical conditions (such as thyroid disease, cancer or neurological problems) or by medications. The use of drugs and alcohol can also cause depression.
• More than 80 percentof all cases of clinical depression can be effectively treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both.
• Screenings are often the first step in getting help.

Please visit our free online screening here or visit any of the sites below for your free depression screening: