Did you know that depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for people between ages 15 and 44? In fact, major depressive disorder affects more than 15 million American adults, or roughly 6.7 percent of the population age 18 and older in a given year. And, sadly, only about half of Americans diagnosed receive treatment for it.
You likely know at least one person who lives with depression – and it may even be you – and if you’re not getting proper treatment, today is the perfect day to start taking action and to get insight into your own mental health. Why? It’s National Depression Screening Day (NDSD), which is part of Mental Illness Awareness Week and held annually on the Thursday of the first full week in October.
Each year, colleges, workplaces and community organizations around the country are encouraged to offer free and anonymous online and in-person screenings that can help individuals identify potential signs of depression. In addition to depression, individuals can be screened for the following mental illnesses:
Do You Know the Signs of Depression?Everyone feels stressed, sad and anxious from time to time, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed, depressed or uninterested in the things you once enjoyed, it may be time to check in on your emotional health. Signs of depression can vary but the below list includes some of the most common signs. A more comprehensive list of symptoms can be found on the website of the National Alliance on Mental Illness:
Getting Help for Depression and AddictionDepression and substance use disorder can be a dangerous duo, increasing your chances of relapse and putting you at a higher risk for suicide. Upon admission to NorthStar Transitions rehab programs, clients are evaluated for co-occurring depression that may contribute to dependency. To learn more about our dual-diagnosis treatment, call today: 303-625-6335.
