If you think you’re depressed, don’t wait — find out

October 8, 2015 is National Depression Screening Day. The first of these days occurred in October 1990, when my colleague Douglas Jacobs, MD followed through on his idea that screening for mental disorders should be no different than screening for other physical illnesses. Since that inaugural event 25 years ago, the program has greatly expanded, and similar awareness days for a variety of mental disorders, such as eating disorders and problems with alcohol use, now take place throughout the year. These screening events are held in the community, at schools, at workplaces, and in the military. Sadness touches all of our lives at different times, but depression can have enormous depth and staying power. It is more than a passing bout of sadness or dejection, or feeling “down.” It can leave you feeling overwhelmed and can sap the joy out of once-pleasurable activities. It has physical, as well as emotional, symptoms. You may find that you can’t sleep or eat, that you are fatigued, or that you have headaches or other aches and pains that seem to have sprung up without a cause. If you’ve ever suffered from depression or been close to someone who has, you know that this illness cannot be lifted at will or wished away. A man in the grip of depression can’t solve his problems by showing a little more backbone. Nor can a woman who is depressed simply shake off the blues. Too many people struggle silently with depression. Don’t be among them. Talk with your doctor,...
Source: New Harvard Health Information - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Anxiety and Depression depressed screening Source Type: news