Thursday Is National Depression Screening Day

Depression is real. It is a mental health disorder. And that definition alone comes with so many misconceptions. People don't want to believe it's real or that deep. They think it's something you can just get over. And for people who suffer from depression, the stigma of coming to grips with it and seeking help for it are almost too much to bear. Could you imagine being sick, knowing you are sick, and then being scared to seek help because of how people will view you? Or not even knowing what it is that's really off with you?

All of it can be overwhelming.

• Globally, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression. (WHO)
• Major depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting 6.7% (more than 16 million) of American adults each year. (Mental Health America)
• More women are affected by depression than men.
• At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. Close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds. (WHO)

There are a number of symptoms and even different types of depressive episodes. Ranging from recurrent depressive disorder to bipolar effective disorder. (WHO)

National Depression Screening Day is Thursday, October 8th.

Easterseals Michigan is launching a statewide awareness campaign, “Get a Checkup From the Neck up” to emphasize the importance of staying mentally healthy. The checkup is a free, online screening that takes two minutes to complete and can be found on Easterseals’ website. The goal is to encourage at least 1,000 screenings on Thursday, Oct. 8, National Depression Screening Day. (Easterseals)

This program is completely anonymous and confidential, and immediately following the brief questionnaire you will see your results, recommendations, and key resources. (Mental Health Screening)

To take the mental health screening and learn more about Easterseals Michigan’s CCBHC, visit EastersealsMichigan.com.