According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 19% of U.S. adults had an anxiety disorder in the past year, and 31.1% of U.S. adults experience an anxiety disorder at some time in their lives.
October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month and brings awareness of the need for accessible and affordable mental health screenings. These conditions are highly treatable with many different options.
“Early screening for anxiety and depression can improve lives by helping individuals recognize that what they’re feeling is real and treatable, “ Cheri Alvarez, CEO Compeer Buffalo/International said. “Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
Although many people struggle with anxiety, depression, and other diagnosis, stigma often prevents people from seeking help. It restricts resources from being allocated.
The Anti-Stigma Coalition was created to encourage a conversation about mental illness and share stories of individual’s successes and challenges.
Free mental health screening
According to the CDC, depression is more than just feeling down or having a bad day. When a sad mood lasts for a long time and interferes with normal, everyday functioning, you may be depressed.
Symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling sad or anxious often or all the time
- Not wanting to do activities that used to be fun
- Feeling irritable‚ easily frustrated‚ or restless
- Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Waking up too early or sleeping too much
- Eating more or less than usual or having no appetite
- Experiencing aches, pains, headaches, or stomach problems that do not improve with treatment
- Having trouble concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions
- Feeling tired‚ even after sleeping well
- Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
- Thinking about suicide or hurting yourself
How to get help…
Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department for emergency medical treatment.
Call your mental health provider.
Get help from your primary doctor or other health care provider.
Reach out to a close friend or loved one.
Contact a minister, spiritual leader, or someone else in your faith community.
