How willing are you to see a doctor if you were experiencing symptoms of depression?
Although the stigma surrounding depression has decreased in recent years, a recent poll shows that as many as 28 per cent of Americans are still reluctant to admit to a physician that they are feeling depressed. That same poll indicates that the likelihood of seeking help rises when people know others who have gone through depression themselves and that 67% believe that depression can be treated most of the time.
While these numbers are encouraging, there is a lot more that needs to be done in terms of educating people about the symptoms of depression and how to get help. To raise awareness, Screening for Health, Inc. has announced that October 11 is National Depression Screening Day (NDSD). Since 1991, NDSD has been offering anonymous screening for depression at more than 1,000 sites across the United States. These sites include social service agencies, hospitals, community health clinic and partcipating private practices. There is also an online screening site with customized screening for military personnel and their families, college students, and members of the public.
Last year's NDSD was one of the most successful ever with 161 community events held across the country. More than 12,195 online screening being conducted during September and October with 3,739 depression screenings were conducted in person at participating locations.
Use one of the above links to learn more about NDSD and depression screening.
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