Mental Health America states, “Whether for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or depression - health screenings provide a quick and easy way to spot the first signs of serious illness and can reach people who might not otherwise seek professional medical advice. Clinical depression is a common medical illness. Like screenings for other illnesses, depression screenings should be a routine part of healthcare.”
Today is Depression Screening Day.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 out of every 6 adults will have depression at some time in their life. Depression affects about 16 million American adults every year. Anyone can get depressed, and depression can happen at any age and in any type of person. While the exact cause of depression is unknown, it may be a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and/or psychological factors. As the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression has stated, “Depression is a flaw in brain chemistry, not in character.”
If you are feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or unable to do the things you once enjoyed, it may be time to assess your emotional health. If you are concerned about yourself or someone you love, take a few minutes to complete an anonymous self-assessment at mhascreening.org or helpyourselfhelpothers.org.
Resources:
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/take-depression-screening
https://mentalhealthscreening.org/
http://helpyourselfhelpothers.org/
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/depression-anxiety.html