October 9th: National Depression Screening Day and Resources
In Tennessee, 43.5% of adults report having symptoms of depression or anxiety, and around 58,000 Tennessee youth ages 12-17 have received a depression diagnosis (NAMI, 2021). If you or someone you know is showing signs of depression, remember you are not alone and there are resources available.
October 9th is National Depression Screening Day, which can be a great resource for those who want to learn more about their mental health or seek out answers for their feelings of depression. It is important to note the screening process is not the same as receiving a diagnosis from a licensed mental health provider, but getting a screening can be a very helpful first step in someone’s mental health journey.
Mental Health America describes depression as “a type of mental health condition called a mood disorder.” They further explain, “Mood disorders occur when changes in mood go beyond the normal ups and downs we all experience from day to day. Episodes of depression last at least two weeks at a time, but sometimes they can last for months or even years.”
Common symptoms that can appear during depressive episodes include: feeling low physically and emotionally, having difficulty concentrating, constantly feeling exhausted, losing interest in activities, and/or feeling worthless (Mental Health America). If you or someone you know has experienced these symptoms over a prolonged period of time, you should consider a depression screening this October 9th.
There are multiple types of screenings that can be offered for depression, and while they are all beneficial, certain screenings are made for certain populations. For example, some screenings work specifically for children and others work specifically for adults. Before you start an independent search online for screenings, consider checking out this Depression Assessment Instruments guide created by the American Psychological Association (APA). The guide provides an organized list of depression screenings, including a brief description of their purpose, length, and ranking system used. The APA also provides links to additional information about the particular screening, as well as links to the screening itself so users can navigate the process online in a way that is most beneficial for them.
Getting help can be a daunting task at first, but that’s why mental health providers are here to work with you and meet you where it’s most comfortable. Similar to APA’s screening guide, Mental Health America has a variety of online screenings you can take for free online: Mental Health America Depression Test.
If you prefer a more local approach, Volunteer Behavioral Health (VBH) has 21 locations in the middle, southeast, and Upper Cumberland regions of Tennessee that provide comprehensive mental health services, which includes therapy, medication management, and care management. If you are interested in receiving mental health services in-person or through telehealth, call VBH’s Centralized Access Line, 1-877-567-6051, where you can make same-day appointments with licensed mental health providers.
Seeking professional help for your mental health can feel challenging or even scary at first. Our staff understand the courage it takes to reach out, and we are here to help you with compassion and expertise. Depression is treatable, but that treatment cannot begin until it is acknowledged. That is why an online screening test can make a big difference in the long run. Even if you think this may not apply to you, we encourage everyone to take a moment to get to know themselves and their mental health better this October 9th.
If you or anyone you know is in crisis, consult the 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available by call or text at 988.