As we’ve visited with the family members of depressed people in our own community, Bernadette and I often hear stories of how difficult it can be to persuade a potentially depressed person to be screened and/or seek treatment. Stigma, fear of the unknown, the fatigue that typically accompanies the illness – all these keep depressed people from getting the help they need. These issues also keep their loved ones from finding relief from the pain of living with a depressed person.
This Thursday (October 11) will be National Depression Screening Day (part of Mental Health Awareness Week). Since 1991, over half a million people have been screened for depression each year. With resources for screening in the community, the workplace, on college campuses, and in the military, this effort makes an important contribution to the health and healing of the millions who suffer from depression every year, as well as the many more who love them and live with them.
If you suspect that someone you love is depressed, encourage them to visit the National Depression Screening Day website in the link above. The online screening tools available there may e one more way to convince them to get the help you all need and deserve.
This blog post was written by Bernadette Stankard, co-author of the book, Dancing in the Dark – How to Take Care of Yourself When Someone You Love is Depressed.
