Oct 10, 2008

Free Depression Screening, In Person and Online

Tara Dairman

Today, October 10, is National Depression Screening Day. This means that screening for depression and other mental health disorders is available in person at thousands of sites across the United States, as well as online.

Recent research studies have found connections between diabetes and depression going in both directions; people who are depressed may have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and people who have diabetes may be at an increased risk for depression. You can read more about these links in our blog entries "Depression and Type 2 Diabetes—Symptoms or Disease?" "Depression and Type 2 Diabetes—Symptoms or Disease? (Part 2)," and "Q&A: Depression and Diabetes."

A press release from Screening for Mental Health, Inc., the company that administers National Depression Screening Day, said the following about the diabetes–depression connection: "The stress of daily diabetes management can leave a patient feeling frustrated and sad. It is normal to feel down once in a while. However, if your feelings of sadness and anxiety are putting a burden on your treatment, National Depression Screening Day, held on October 10 at thousands of sites nationwide, can help."

Screening is available today not only for depression, but for bipolar disorder ("manic depression"), generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) via a free, brief, anonymous questionnaire. Participating screening sites will also offer a variety of educational materials as well as an opportunity to meet one-on-one with a mental health care professional who can advise you on the next step to take after screening. The screenings are open to people who want to be assessed themselves as well as those who are concerned about someone else and want more information.

For more information about National Depression Screening Day, visit www.mentalhealthscreening.org. You can click here to find a screening site in your state, or you can take a self-assessment test online here.

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