National Depression Screening Day 2018 will take place on October 11th. Moreover, it’s always hosted on the Thursday of the first entire week of October. On this date, screening events occur across the world. Specifically, the goal is to screen for depression, anxiety and other mental disorders. This event helps to raise awareness about depression and other mental illnesses.
Getting Help on National Depression Screening Day 2018
This year, the event’s theme is Reach Out. Therefore, the mission is to connect with people who need help and find mental health treatment. Individuals can raise awareness with hashtags like #NDSD and #ReachOut.
The National Depression Screening Day is the oldest, voluntary screening program in the country. At the events, mental health professionals offer questionnaires to screen clients. Afterward, they also offer referrals for depression treatment. Individuals can also use an online screening platform if they cannot make it to one of the events.
Why Mental Health Awareness Is Important
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, 43.8 million Americans go through a mental illness each year. An estimated 6.9 percent of adults had one or more major depressive episodes in the last 12 months.
The numbers are even more staggering for substance abuse disorder. There are 20.2 million adults with a substance abuse disorder in the country. Out of this number, 50.5 percent had a co-occurring mental illness.
This is a problem for anyone who is trying to become sober. When someone has a mental illness, they may use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate. To become sober, the individual needs to get treatment for their mental disorders as well.
Finding the Right Care on National Depression Screening Day 2018
Luckily, help is available. At the right treatment center, clients can get help for their addiction and mental health disorders. Depending on the treatment program, clients can get help through programs such as:
- Work therapy
- Yoga and nutrition
- Residential detox
- Trauma therapy
- Holistic treatment approaches
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention and aftercare program