Depression Screening

• Have you lost interest in ordinary activities?
   

• Do you feel like activities that used to bring pleasure are now too much effort?
   

• Have you felt down, tired and generally uninterested in life?
   

• Do you experience mood swings, from generally happy and social to withdrawn and irritable?

If so, you may be suffering from a depressive illness. Major depression, dysthymia (low-grade, chronic depression) and bipolar disorder affect more than 19 million adults in the United States. Depression has no regard for age, ethnicity or background, and can arise from stressful or traumatic events or be present for seemingly no reason at all.

 

Many individuals may be unaware they are suffering from a depressive illness; others may suspect, yet do not seek treatment. In fact, it is estimated that only one-third of people affected by depressive illnesses seek help; however, left untreated, depressive illnesses can interfere with leading a normal life.

• Depression can negatively affect and reduce a person’s quality of life.
   

• Untreated depressive symptoms can cause pain and suffering for the person experiencing the depression, as well as for those who care about them.
   

• Depression can lead to deteriorating health and an increase in health problems, including bone loss and heart disease.

If you feel you are suffering from a depressive illness, take advantage of National Depression Screening Day (NDSD), October 10, 2008. This day is part of Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 5-11, 2008, which aims to help people who have been experiencing symptoms of depression, and raises national awareness of depression, manic-depression and anxiety.

 

NDSD offers individuals an opportunity to address issues they are having, learn more about available treatments, and receive referrals to mental-health professionals for help and treatment. Even if you do not get screened on NDSD, it is important that you seek treatment for depressive disorders; use the references below for more information.

 

To find a location near you that is offering screening, visit the Web site for Screening For Mental Health (formerly the National Mental Illness Screening Project) at: http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org

For more information on depressive illnesses and their treatments, contact the following organizations:

• National Institute of Mental Health
  http://www.nimh.nih.gov
  (800) 241-4211
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (formerly the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association)
  http://www.ndmda.org
  (800) 826-3632
• National Mental Health Association
  http://www.nmha.org
  (800) 969-6642

©2008 ComPsych^® Corporation. All rights reserved. This information is for educational purposes only. It is always important to consult with the appropriate professional on financial, medical, legal, behavioral or other issues. As you read this information, it is your responsibility to make sure that the facts and ideas apply to your situation.