More than 264 million people in the world struggle with depression.1 In the United States, this equates to over 17 million Americans battling depression at some point in their lifetime.2 Along with harmful psychological effects, depression can lead to a variety of other problems. Depression can cause strains in relationships, physical health issues, and sometimes lead to substance use disorders that require the help of addiction treatment programs to get the person to finally quit. Some people with depression may even attempt suicide. For all these reasons and more, it is important for people with depression to get help.
October is National Depression & Mental Health Screening Month
Although some people have noticeable symptoms of depression, not everyone does. Depressive disorders fall on a spectrum ranging from mild to severe and impact people from all walks of life. You may have a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor who is struggling with depression and not know it. In some cases, they may not even realize it themselves and consequently, may not get the help they need. National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month is a reminder to pay attention to signs of depression to get people who are struggling the help they need. Common signs of depression may include:
- Social withdrawal
- Lost interest in once enjoyable activities or events
- Hopeless outlook on life or feeling empty
- Poor sense of self-worth
- Lethargy and fatigue
- Changes in sleep and eating habits
- Suicidal idealization
Depression Awareness Beyond October
Although this depression awareness month may be coming to a close, it does not mean that you should forget about depression. This year, the need for depression awareness and mental health screening is even more pertinent. On top of trying to cope with the coronavirus, the holiday season can be a challenging and overwhelming time for many people. Continue to practice self-care, and check in on your loved ones. If you notice that you or someone you care about is struggling, get help. Especially, if drugs or alcohol become involved, a dual diagnosis treatment center like ours could be the difference between a happy holiday season and a further decline. At The Bluffs, each of our patients undergoes a clinical assessment and mental health screening before beginning treatment. This process allows us to ensure that patients are not only placed in the proper level of care but also that any underlying mental health problems like depression are addressed during treatment. Only by overcoming these mental health hurdles in recovery can patients find lasting sobriety. If you or someone you love is looking for help for substance use and mental health problems, do not hesitate to reach out to us today.
