Why a Mental Health Screening Matters.
It’s October! Here in Greenville, we are finally beginning to experience fall. The weather has become a bit crisper in the mornings, the trees are beginning to change in color, and fall festivities surround us.
October is not just a beautiful time of year, but also a meaningful month with purpose, especially in the mental health world. October is recognized as National Depression Awareness and Health Screening Month. The month of October holds the opportunity for everyone to grow in their understanding of mental health and reduce the stigma that sometimes surrounds mental health.
This year, October 8th was National Depression Screening Day. Identifying one day out of the year to focus on a particular topic denotes the seriousness of depression. By bringing depression and other mood-related disorders to the forefront for one day, it allows mental health professionals to promote early detection, education, and support. However, screening for depression is important and available every day. Depression affects millions of people, adults and children, every year. Signs of depression can look like:
feeling sad or empty, numb or disconnected
feeling tired all the time, sleeping too much or having trouble sleeping
avoiding friends, family or activities that normally bring you joy
using substances to cope
This is a very simplified list, but these are symptoms, if taken seriously when they are first noticed, can be treatable with the help of professional care.
As you enjoy the beauty in this season of change, consider if you have noticed any changes in yourself, mentally, emotionally, physically. Greenville offers many opportunities for wonderful experiences in the fall. Greenville also has many resources for individuals who may need mental health screening and support. During this National Depression Awareness Month, consider if you or someone you love could possibly benefit from a mental health screening.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, 24/7 resources are available. You can reach out now to
911
call or text 988 for the suicide and crisis lifeline
or text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text line
