Today October 10th is recognized as National Depression Screening Day. The day is used as a way to bring awareness to the need for depression awareness and the need for accessible and affordable mental health screenings.
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. Clinical depression affects men and women of all ages, races, and socioeconomic groups. Several different factors can often come into play with depression that can include a mix of environmental, genetic, psychological, biological, and biochemical components.
Not everyone experiences depression in the same way, however, it can affect anyone at any time. It is important to take the step to seek out professional help and be screened if you or someone you care about feels they may be depressed.
There are several reasons why it is important to screen for depression including:
- Clinical depression is a serious medical illness
- Clinical depression can lead to suicide
- Sometimes people with depression mistakenly believe that the symptoms of depression are a “normal part of life”
- Depression can co-occur and complicate other medical conditions
- Screenings are often the first step in getting help
People suffering from depression often experience some of these key symptoms:
- A persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Sleeping too little, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
- Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Restlessness or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Screenings are not a professional diagnosis. Screenings point out the presence or absence of depressive symptoms and provide a referral for further evaluation if needed. You should see your doctor or a qualified mental health professional if you experience five or more of these symptoms for longer than two weeks or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily routine.
Only about a third (35.3%) of those suffering from severe depression seek treatment from a mental health professional. Not receiving the assistance needed can lead to adverse health outcomes and affect a person’s quality of life. If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575, to schedule an appointment.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.