Depression Screening

“Depression is the inability to construct a future.”

This quote from Rollo May illustrates the insidious nature of depression and how it impacts an individual’s hope for the future and, therefore, ability to navigate the present. October is National Depression Screening Month, and October 10th is National Depression Screening Day, both of which were created to promote understanding, combat stigma, and further education and awareness about the effects of depression. Just as we screen for health conditions like diabetes and heart disease, it’s important to also check for mental health conditions like depression.

Depression

Major depression, one of the most common mental health disorders, impacts nearly seven percent of American adults each year regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Only a third of those suffering from severe depression seek mental health resources. Depressioncan co-occur alongside other mental health conditions, which can further complicate not onl presentation of symptoms but also the ability to receive and benefit from treatment. In addition, depression can lead to suicidal ideation and attempts, so it is imperative to make depression screenings accessible as the first step of aid. Genetics, medical conditions, medications, substance use, sleep problems, social isolation, pregnancy, menopause, lack of exercise, and life events such as trauma or grief and loss are all risk factors that can lead to the development of depression. Depression symptoms can also show up in not only major depressive disorder but also postpartum depression and bipolar disorder as well; therefore, it’s important to determine the root cause and tailor treatment to one’s unique, individualized needs.

Some symptoms of depression include persistent sad mood, sleeping too little or to much, appetite and weight changes, loss of interest in previously enjoyed interests and activities, restless, irritability, difficulty focusing, decision-making problems, memory issues, fatigue, and thoughts of death or suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing five or more of these symptoms for a period of longer than two weeks or experiencing symptoms severe enough that it inhibits daily functioning, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider for a depression screening.

Depression Screening

Health screenings are a vital part of providing preventative care. While they are not a professional diagnosis, the purpose is to identify the presence of symptoms and provide appropriate referrals for further evaluation. A depression screening may include answering questions related to emotions, mood patterns, sleep, appetite, and other aspects of life. A physical exam, questionnaire, psychological evaluation, and lab tests may also be utilized in order to provide a holistic assessment and ensure accurate referrals for diagnosis and treatment.

If you or a loved one is experiencing depression symptoms, please consider reaching out to Embrace Therapy for a screening, evaluation, or additional resources.

Previous
Navigating Difficult Conversations with Family
Next
Managing Anxiety