October 6th is National Depression Screening day. This is an annual event to raise awareness of depression and is designed to offer large scale mood disorder screening to the general public. National Depression Screening Day provides free and anonymous anxiety screening, depression screening, and bipolar screening. Screenings are offered online and at numerous locations nationwide. To locate a screening site near you or for a free online screening click here. After receiving your results, you can follow up with a therapist in the greater Albany, NY area at HPA/LiveWell by calling 518-218-1188.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness depression affects approximately 7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. Depression is characterized by a low mood, but there are varying degrees of severity.
A depression screening questionnaire can not only help to determine if you are at risk for depression, but the free depression quiz at Mental Health America categorizes depressive symptoms from minimal depression to severe depression. Typical questions on a depression test focus on the symptoms of depression which are:
- Little interest or pleasure in activities
- Feeling down, depressed or hopeless
- Sleeping difficulties
- Feeling tired or having little energy
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Feeling bad about yourself
- Trouble concentrating
- Moving or speaking slowly
- Thoughts of self-harm
You can use the depression screening results as a baseline and continue to screen at regular intervals. If you note any changes in your total score, you can bring them to the attention of a professional. An independent study reported that about 55% of those that complete a depression screening seek treatment within 3 months.
To learn more about depression visit HPA/LiveWell. To request treatment in the Albany, NY area call 518-218-1188 to connect with an HPA/LiveWell professional.
