National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.
Today, October 8th is National Depression Screening Day. This day is created to encourage individuals to be screened for depression at least once annually.
Receiving a screening once annually is important because depression is commonly referred to as the “silent illness” of mental health. The symptoms can be associated with other health challenges and therefore is not always diagnosed early on, which prolongs the opportunity for treatment and healing.
The “U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine. The Task Force works to improve the health of all Americans by making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services such as screenings, counseling services, and preventive medications” (USPSTF). They have continuously published updated recommendations for screening of children, adolescents, and adults for depression.
The symptoms of depression can be both psychological and physiological. When a patient discloses symptoms, they will not always connect these symptoms to depression. It is typically the medical professional that identifies that depression can be the cause.
Below you can find some of the common psychological and physiological symptoms.
