October 6th is National Depression Screening Day

Like the transformation and falling of leaves beginning this autumn, there is often a similar transformation of mood that we as humans can experience. But unlike how trees can often cycle through these changes without harm, it can be much more difficult to recover from depression if left untreated. In fact, depression can affect every aspect of your life, and can lead to a decline in physical health or even death. For this reason, it is important to screen for it in yourself and in those around you, which is why October 6th has been designated as National Depression Screening Day. Depression is one of the most common mental health problems in the world, and studies have shown that it has become even more prevalent since the COVID-19 pandemic. It is often more common during the colder months of the year, and in the female and LGBTQ+ population. Additionally, it is often undertreated and underdiagnosed in children and adolescents.

What are some risk factors for depression?

1. Pregnancy: Depression is more common during pregnancy and during the postpartum period after giving birth. All pregnant women should be screened for depression, and there are many treatment options, including medications, that are safe to take during pregnancy and if you are breastfeeding.
2. Major life changes: Things like changes in jobs, relationships, financial status, and deaths of loved ones can lead to one being overwhelmed with negative feelings. It can be difficult to cope with these things in a healthy way, especially if you begin feeling depressed.
3. Traumatic relationships: Any abusive or problematic social situations at any time in one’s life, especially when experienced at a young age, can lead to increased chances of developing depression.
4. Chronic health conditions: It can be difficult to continue to stay on top of the management of chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Your health conditions may also limit your mobility or ability to complete your daily tasks, which can further cause mental pain.
5. What are some signs of depression?
6. Feeling very sad or more withdrawn for more than 2 weeks.
7. Changes in sleep habits (sleeping more or less than usual)
8. Loss of interest in things you would usually enjoy doing.
9. Feeling guilty about things that are out of your control or feeling worthless.
10. Less energy, or new physical symptoms.
11. Decreased ability to concentrate.
12. Changes in appetite (increased or decreased hunger).
13. Feeling or appearing to be moving/thinking slower to others.
14. Thoughts of wanting to harm yourself or harm others.

Depression is often associated with other mental health changes. Other concerning mental health findings include: significant changes in weight, seeing or hearing things that others do not, big changes in personality (including being more anxious or irritable), or excessive use of alcohol or other substances. Please seek help for yourself or direct your loved one to available resources if you are displaying these symptoms.

How can I seek treatment for myself or for someone I know?

There are many mental health resources available today, including virtual and in-person options. A good way to start seeking help for depression is to visit your primary care physician. After getting diagnosed with depression, you may be treated with counseling sessions (available in-person or virtually) as well as with medications that can help regulate your mood.

If you are experiencing more life-threatening depressive symptoms, such as suicidal thoughts, or planning to harm oneself or others, call 911.

You may also call or text 988, the national suicide and crisis hotline, in order to speak with someone confidentially and receive support. This service is available 24/7 and is also available in Spanish (call 988 and press “2” or text AYUDA to 988). There is an online chat available through the same 988 resource, as well as ways to chat for those that are deaf or hard of hearing. Please visit this website for further information: https://988lifeline.org/

There are many other helpful resources available online. For more online information about depression and mental health, please visit the National Alliance of Mental Illness website: https://www.nami.org/home

Please make the mental health of you and your loved ones a priority today to promote a happy and healthy future!

Dr. Herd is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.