National Depression Screening Day 2007- Part I

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.