October is the National Depression and Health Screening Month — an event to help bring awareness to depression and the need for affordable and accessible mental health screening services. Depression is the most common mental health illness, affecting 264 million people worldwide.
Depression is far more than bouts of sadness, and it has many causes. It is not a choice, and it can drastically impact the lives of sufferers by interfering with the simplest day-to-day activities. In addition, it can affect anyone of any age at any time. Depression is an insidious illness that can take many forms, but there is hope and treatments available that can help you feel like yourself again.
Aurora Behavioral Health System encourages everyone to learn about the signs of depression. If you have any concerns for yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to connect with us this month to receive a free mental health assessment and support. We’ll help you identify the signs and symptoms of your depression and guide you on the path towards recovery.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a constant lack of interest in life or feelings of sadness. These feelings may be accompanied by a sense of worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness, and they can last for days, weeks, or longer. Around 6.7 percent of adults in the United States have experienced at least one major depressive episode in the last year.
Many factors impact the onset and duration of depression, including factors that are:
- Environmental
- Genetic
- Psychological
- Biochemical
- Situational (difficult life experiences)
Depression can affect everyone differently. In women, depression most commonly manifests as feelings of guilt, sadness, and worthlessness. However, it commonly manifests as anger, irritability, reckless behavior, and drug and alcohol abuse in adults. Children who suffer from depression may have trouble with school or develop eating disorders, dabble in prohibited substances, or experience high levels of anxiety.
Depression is a deadly illness because it can often lead to suicide. Statistics show that in the United States, there is an average of 130 suicides every day, and that suicide is the tenth leading cause of death.
What to Ask if You Believe You Are Struggling with an Undiagnosed Mental Health Condition
Undiagnosed mental health conditions can be frustrating, debilitating, and painful. You might even be unaware of your condition but feel that something just isn’t right. Mental illness can sneak up on you. It can start small at first and grow into a constant struggle that eventually disables you from functioning normally.
If you believe that you are struggling with an undiagnosed mental health condition, we encourage you to participate in our free mental health assessment. Additionally, when reaching out to us, here are questions that you can ask to help feel confident with getting the support you need:
- What does an appointment typically look like?
- What treatments does Aurora Behavioral Health System offer?
- How will I know my treatment is affecting my mental illness?
- How long do treatment programs generally last?
- What research is available about your treatment plans?
How to Get Involved During National Depression and Health Screening Month
There are several ways you can get involved during the National Depression and Health Screening Month, including:
- Practicing self-care and staying aware of your mental health status
- Listening to our podcast series, Minding Our Mental Health, to learn more about the world of mental health
- Educating yourself about depression and other mental illnesses
Get Treatment at Aurora Behavioral Health System
Depression is a persistent and debilitating mental illness, but it is a highly treatable one. The first step to take is to seek professional help. One of the best ways to participate in the National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month is to participate in our free mental health assessments. With the results of a free mental health assessment, our clinical team can better determine which treatment program is best for the patient's unique needs.
For more information about our services, programs, and mental health assessments, please contact us online or call our 24/7 patient services helpline at (877) 870-7012.