On a Thursday in early October each year, an important day hits the calendar. Tomorrow’s the day this year. It’s National Depression Screening Day.
Tomorrow serves as a great reminder to check in with ourselves and the people we care about. Depression can be complicated. It might not look how we expect. It might feel like something that will pass — but doesn’t. Ultimately, because it’s both widespread and easy to miss, it’s well worth taking advantage of National Depression Screening Day tomorrow.
How to get involved
Start with yourself. How are you feeling? No, really. Dig in. Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, can exhibit as numbness or emptiness. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re always crying or feeling sad.
Check in with yourself for the main signs of depression:
- A loss of interest in things you used to care about or enjoy
- Pervasive sadness that won’t let up
- A feeling of emptiness or hopelessness
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems (that could be insomnia or sleeping too much)
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Irritability
- Concentration and focus problems
- Weight fluctuations
- Thoughts of death or suicide
You don’t have to tick every box there. If a lot of those sound like you, take things a step further and use Mental Health America’s depression screening tool. This free online resource only takes a few minutes and will rate the severity of your depression. It isn’t a replacement for a diagnosis from a mental health professional, but it can tell you if you should seek help.
If you’re ready to talk to someone about your depression, we’re here. Our local, compassionate therapists have extensive experience helping people living with major depressive disorder.
Caring for your community on National Depression Screening Day
If you think you need care for depression, focus on yourself.
If you checked in and you don’t think you’re living with this mental illness, don’t stop there. The importance of tomorrow extends beyond our self-reflection. Look to the people around you. Consider sharing the news that tomorrow is a day for screening to take place across the country. Knowing that other people are doing this self-check-in work might be the encouragement someone needs to finally face the depressive symptoms they’ve been feeling.
Do you suspect that someone in your life is living with depression? Talking to them is a great place to start. These resources from the Mayo Clinic and Healthline can help.
And don’t forget that you don’t have to navigate this alone. Our therapists are here to help you build a toolbox of resources and tactics. For help addressing depression in yourself or someone you care about, get in touch.
