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October 2019
Oct. 10 is National Depression Screening Day
Oct. 10 is National Depression Screening Day,** a time for shining the spotlight on the importance of depression screening and treatment — and eliminating some of the stigma surrounding depression and other mental health issues.
Oct. 10 is also World Mental Health Day** and Oct. 6 through 12 is Mental Health Awareness Week.**
More than 16 million adults in the U.S. suffer from major depression,** according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. In fact, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
“Depression is a chronic illness that often comes on so slowly that people may not even know they have it,” said Dr. William Beecroft, medical director of behavioral health for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network. “Screening for the condition, like screening for diabetes, is simple but people need to be aware of the signs of depression so they can seek help if needed. That’s why awareness campaigns like National Depression Screening Day and Mental Health Awareness Week are so important. Screening for depression is a good first step on the journey to good overall health.”
New Directions, a company that provides behavioral health services for many Blue Cross members, has posted a series of depression guidelines** on its website.
Here are some other resources suitable for sharing with your patients:
**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan doesn’t own or control this website.
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