Screening For Depression Saves Lives

By Julie Naughton

The most important test you take might just save your life. On National Depression Screening Day, October 6, a simple screening test can indicate if you could benefit from external emotional support and other treatment.

“It's OK to not be OK," said Sheri Dawson, director of the Division of Behavioral Health. “Health screenings provide a quick and easy way to identify early signs of illness. They provide an opportunity to reach people who may not know if what they are experiencing is depression. There is help available to guide you to a healthier life. You are not alone."

Depression can happen at any age, and it doesn't feel the same for everyone. Like other health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, many people may be unaware of their illness and think depression is something everyone goes through. It's important to remember that clinical depression is more than being sad about an issue you experience. You should engage a professional if you experience five or more symptoms for longer than two weeks or your symptoms are severe enough they are impacting your day-to-day life routine.??

According to a Boston University School of Public Health study, depression in adults tripled in the early months of COVID-19 in 2020, going from 8.5 percent before the pandemic to 27.8 percent in 2020. According to that same study, the elevated rate of depression persisted into 2021 and even worsened, climbing to 32.8 percent and affecting 1 in every 3 American adults.

Because other medical conditions symptoms can mimic depression symptoms, it is important to rule out general medical causes first. Additionally, symptoms must last at least two weeks for a depression diagnosis.

Online screenings for a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, can be found at?https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/?.