Screening Matters: How October can Save Lives
By: Krys Poindexter, RAC
Imagine walking through your day carrying a weight in your mind that no one else sees. For millions of people, that burden is very real. It might be your sibling who’s always smiling on the outside, your parent who seems a little quieter than usual, your child struggling in silence, or your friend who cancels plans at the last minute. It could even be you.
October is more than just autumn colors, it’s National Depression & Mental Health Screening Month, a time to shine a light on what so many people endure quietly and to remind us all that help is available and recovery is possible.
How Many People Are Affected?
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, and its impact stretches far and wide:
- Over 21 million adults in the U.S., about 8.3% of the population, experience at least one major depressive episode in a given year.
- 13.1% of people aged 12 and older report experiencing symptoms of depression in just a two-week span.
- More than 59 million U.S. adults (23.1%) live with any diagnosable mental illness.
Behind every number is a story. It’s the teenager who starts slipping in school, the coworker who always looks exhausted, or the young parent trying to juggle too much. Depression does not discriminate, and sadly, many people never reach out for help because of stigma, fear, or not knowing where to begin.
Why Screening Matters
- They catch the early signs before things spiral into crisis.
- They start conversations between loved ones, doctors, and friends that might not happen otherwise.
- They normalize mental health care just like checking blood pressure or blood sugar.
- They connect people to resources such as therapy, medication, support groups, or community programs that can bring relief and healing.
Think of a screening as a gentle nudge. It’s simply a tool that helps someone put words to what they’re feeling.
What Screening Month Aims to Do
National Depression & Mental Health Screening Month is about breaking the silence and building support. Across the country, you’ll find:
- Free screenings at clinics, schools, and community centers.
- Online self-screenings that can be taken from the privacy of home.
- Community events that bring people together to share resources and stories.
How You Can Get Involved
This month, each of us has a role to play. You can:
- Take a screening yourself.
- Encourage a loved one to check in on their mental health. Sometimes all it takes is saying, “I care, and I’ll walk with you through this.”
- Host or attend local events that shine a light on depression.
- Keep the crisis numbers handy. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
This October, let’s all remember that depression is common, serious, and treatable. We don’t always know who is silently struggling, but by raising awareness and encouraging screenings, we can create a culture where it’s safe to say, “I’m not okay.” Sometimes, the smallest step can save the biggest thing of all; a life.
If you or a loved one needs help, contact our 24/7 information and intake line at 833.780.3088. Second chances are only a call away.
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