National Depression Screening Day
National Depression Screening Day is designed to call attention to the illness of depression on a national level and designed to educate the public about symptoms and effective treatment, to offer individuals the opportunity to be screened for depression and to connect those in need to the mental health care system in Delaware. During the week of October 6, 2011, many organizations participated with MHA to provide quick, anonymous screenings in various locations throughout the state. These screenings are often the first step for individuals with depression in getting help.
Like other health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes, many people with depression are not aware of their illness. Like other health screenings, depression screenings are not a professional evaluation, but are a quick and easy way to spot some of the early signs of trouble.
Clinical Depression is a common medical illness affecting more than 19 million American adults each year. Over 61,000 adult Delawareans suffer from a mood disorder including major depression or bipolar disorder. Over 51,000 Delawareans reported experiencing at least one major depressive episode in the past year.
It is very important for people to understand the connection of mental health to physical health and overall well-being. An initiative such as National Depression Screening Day works to provide Delawareans options if they are reluctant to seek help and it also establishes prevention and early intervention.
Thank you to this year’s sites for depression screening in Delaware including: Christ Our King Parish, Claymore Senior Center, Dover Behavioral Health, Easter Seals, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center, Northeast State Service Center, Samaritan Outreach, and SODAT-DE. Over 200 people were screened, and 40 people screened positive for depression and were referred for mental health help. If you are wondering if you may have depression, take the first step in asking for help. Click on “Take a free depression screening” on the left menu of MHA’s homepage for a quick, anonymous screening. The 2012 National Depression Screening Day will be held on October 4.
New Castle - (302) 577-2484 - Kent/Sussex - (800) 345-6785
or go the nearest hospital or emergency center, or call 911.