Mental health continues to be a vital topic as we step into 2023. With approximately 20% of adults in the United States facing mental health challenges and around 5% dealing with severe conditions, it’s clear that support and awareness are crucial.
In October, we observe National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, as well as World Mental Health Day. These observances have a profound impact on individuals, communities, and society at large, providing education, fostering a supportive environment and encouraging open conversations about mental well-being.
National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month 2023
October marks the observance of National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, a significant campaign that seeks to raise awareness about depression while advocating for easily accessible and affordable mental health screenings.
During the entirety of October, mental health organizations and advocates collaborate to educate individuals on identifying the signs and symptoms of depression within themselves and others. Furthermore, they work diligently to disseminate resources for mental health screenings and provide vital support for those navigating the challenges of depression.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), mental health screenings are crucial, especially for younger individuals, because approximately 50% of lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 14 and 75% begin by age 24. When conditions are caught earlier on, they can be more effectively treated, leading to better outcomes for the patient.
Mental health screenings can help identify a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:
- Mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, self-harm, etc)
- Anxiety disorders, (panic disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc)
- Eating disorders
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Personality disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Psychotic disorders
Throughout October it’s especially important to bring awareness to the availability of mental health screenings, in order to catch and treat issues early on to prevent unwarranted suffering and hardships.
World Mental Health Day 2023
World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10th. The objective of the day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
The 2023 theme for World Mental Health Day is ‘Mental Health is a universal human right.’ According to the founders of World Mental Health Day, World Federation of Mental Health (WFMH):
This year’s theme enables us to re-double our efforts to ensure that everybody should receive quality mental health care and that the human rights and well-being of people with mental illness are respected in all parts of the world so that every person with a mental health difficulty has:
- The right to be protected from known harms to mental health; a universal right which applies to the entire population, but especially the vulnerable including children, minorities and the displaced peoples.
- The right to access quality and affordable care when a person is struggling with their mental health.
- The right to freedom and dignity, including the right of choice.
Recognizing warning signs in ourselves or our loved ones, understanding common mental health issues becomes essential. This is why dedicating time each year during National Depression Education and Awareness Month to learn more about mental health conditions is of paramount importance. By doing so, we collectively contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness while aiding those in need to find relief through proper diagnosis and available treatment options.
If you are struggling with mental health issues, remember that you are not alone. There are services available through your EAP that may be able to help. Visit your member portal or call 1-800-395-1616 for more information.