Public Spark

This year, the Screening for Mental Health organization is promoting the Depression Screening Day on October 11, 2007. There are screenings in places all over the United States. There is a depression screening test that you can currently take online.

• Some General Depression Statistics

• People of all ages, backgrounds, lifestyles, and nationalities suffer from major depression, with a few exceptions.

• In any given year, about seven percent - between 13 million and 14 million people will experience a depressive disorder.

• Of those who develop depression, only about 20 percent will receive adequate treatment.

• About 16 percent of adults will experience depression at some point in their life.

• About 97 percent of those reporting depression also reported that their work, home life and relationships suffered as a result.

• Depression can quadruple a person’s risk of dying within 6 months after a heart attack.

• Depression is also known to weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to physical illness.

• The risk of suicide increases, particularly in adolescent boys, if the person has a conduct disorder or substance abuse problem in addition to depression.

Also, simultaneously the organization is promoting a campaign called Stop a Suicide Today. It is estimated that we are all in a position to help one of over 800,000 people who try to commit suicide every year.

On Thursday, I will have a follow-up blog on signs and symptoms of depression, as well as treatment options.