The Record - Oct. 8 is National Depression Screening Day

Oct. 8 is National Depression Screening Day

Thursday, Oct. 8, is National Depression Screening Day**, a time for raising awareness about the importance of depression screening and treatment — and helping eliminate some of the stigma surrounding depression and other mental health issues.

More than 16 million (6.7%) adults in the U.S. suffer from major depression, according to Mental Health America.** Yet only a third (35.3%) of those suffering with severe depression seek appropriate treatment from a mental health professional.

“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.”

Blue Cross will be partnering with WLBY‑AM (Ann Arbor‑Ypsilanti), WOOD‑TV (Grand Rapids) and WTCM‑AM (Traverse City/Northern Lower Michigan) in advance of National Depression Screening Day to discuss the importance of depression screening. Andy Hetzel, vice president of Corporate Communications, will also discuss the topic on “Michigan’s Big Show” Oct. 6 with radio host Michael Patrick Shiels.

New Directions, a company that provides behavioral health services for most Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan members, has developed two flyers suitable for sharing with patients:

New Directions has also posted a series of depression guidelines** for members on its website.

Here are some other resources:

We’ve posted materials related to depression and other mental health issues in the Mental Health Awareness section of the Blue Cross Engage page.

For more mental health-related content, visit or subscribe to our blogs, A Healthier Michigan and MI Blues Perspectives. The Mind section of A Healthier Michigan has a wealth of information about depression, anxiety and how to end the stigma of mental health conditions.

**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan doesn’t own or control this website.

No portion of this publication may be copied without the express written permission of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, except that BCBSM participating health care providers may make copies for their personal use. In no event may any portion of this publication be copied or reprinted and used for commercial purposes by any party other than BCBSM.

*CPT codes, descriptions and two-digit numeric modifiers only are copyright 2019 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.