CHANGING LIVES

Today is National Depression Screening Day

Posted by Maryvale on Oct 7, 2021 2:20:16 PM

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There are tens of millions of adults in the United States who silently cope with depression and anxiety and whose mental health has implications for friends, family members, colleagues, and others who interact with them regularly. Join Maryvale today in expressing support for National Depression Screening Day, an annual reminder that getting screened for depression is worthwhile and that there are many paths to healing.

 

Why We Need To Talk More About Depression

 

Like so many mental health disorders, many people who suffer from depression are entirely unaware of their illness. Clinical depression affects men and women of all ages, regardless of race, background, or economic status. Depression can come and go – being diagnosed with depression is not a life sentence. However, all too often, people of all ages mask the symptoms of depression to avoid stigma or keep up with daily life pressures. When clinical depression goes untreated, it can develop into a severe mental illness that puts people at an increased risk of self-harm, suicide, or an inability to cope and go about their day-to-day lives. Another reason people are often unable to take note of or deal with depression properly is because it can co-occur with other medical and mental health conditions, from anxiety and bipolar disorder to heart disease, a physical disability, or cancer. When depression is added to another illness, it can be a complicating factor that makes it difficult for a person to find clarity and healing across all of their symptoms. These obstacles may account for the fact that only about 35% of people who suffer from severe depression are getting the care they need from a mental health professional.

 

We want to be clear that getting screened for depression will not automatically translate to better mental health. However, screening is a critical way to understand whether further care is necessary.

 

If you or someone you know is on the fence about getting screened for depression, ask the following questions:

 

  • Have you been feeling sad without knowing why?
  • Is your sleep irregular? Do you struggle to feel rested?
  • Have you recently lost or gained a significant amount of weight unintentionally?
  • Do you struggle to enjoy things you used to love doing?
  • Are you low on energy?
  • Do you ever think about death, dying, or suicide?
  • Do you fight to concentrate or stay engaged in what you’re doing

Answering “yes” to several of these questions is a good indication that you should get screened for depression.

 

How To Get Screened For Depression

 

A depression screening is not the same thing as a professional diagnosis. However, a screening is a helpful way for you to note your symptoms and receive a referral for continued mental health services.

 

There are a number of organizations that make it easy to screen for depression using online quizzes and downloadable tools. These screenings are confidential, anonymous, and free for anyone to use at any time. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America’s depression screener is downloadable and can be printed or filled out on a phone or computer. Mental Health America is also a great resource to self-screen for a number of mental health illnesses.

 

Young adults and teens, in particular, can benefit from a quick online screener to safely and easily figure out how they might seek additional support or treatment. These days, many young people are more comfortable sharing information on a screen than they might be sharing their feelings with an adult or authority figure. If your child is indicating any potential risk factors for depression, take the proper steps to get them screened.

 

Pathways To Coping With Depression

 

In some instances, depression manifests through an intensive depressive episode. In just as many other examples, depression exists under the surface and can be difficult to detect or measure. Depending on the severity and nature of a person’s depression, there are a variety of treatment options available. What matters first is to learn as much as possible about depression, to become unafraid of it, and to be eager to work through it.

 

Mental health practitioners will be able to provide the best path forward. A common set of treatments for depression can include medications, therapy, and self-care. Medications treat chemical imbalances in the brain. Various types of therapy, from talk therapy to group sessions to family care, can all be essential for building a stronger relationship between a person and their feelings. By building the skills and desire to untangle one’s feelings, a person becomes empowered to approach their life from a fresh perspective, eliminate unhelpful patterns, and make positive changes. Self-care often takes the form of lifestyle shifts, from eating healthy and exercising to reducing alcohol intake. Seeking support from friends and family is another form of self-care that can have lasting benefits and can prevent feelings of helplessness or isolation. 

 

At Maryvale, we consider a child’s full experience, including their family relationships, to build the most robust possible foundation for a healthy, productive life. We encourage you and your children to get screened for depression and take ownership of your mental health today and every day.

Topics: mental health, Depression

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