October is known as a month filled with activities aimed at preparing for the bustling holiday season. However, with this busy season around the corner, the month is extremely difficult for those suffering from depression or any other mental health illness. According to the Forbes Health article, Depression Statistics in 2024, “about 20.78% of adults in the U.S., or 50 million Americans, live with mental illness, per 2019-2020 data from Mental Health America.” Depression is also known to be a hereditary illness, with “people who have an immediate family member living with depression may have a two to three times greater risk of having depression.” This can all explain why October is a fitting month to be National Depression and Mental Health Screening Awareness Month.
Part of the reasoning behind not only creating a depression awareness month, but a mental health screening month is to bring awareness to the need for accessible and affordable mental health screenings. What many may not realize is there are numerous causes that come into play with depression. This includes a mix of genetic, environmental, psychological and biological/biochemical components. This month brings awareness that not everyone experiences depression in the same way. What may be depression for one, could be different for another. However, either way, depression can affect anyone at any time.
October 10th is also World Mental Health Day, with many activities geared towards bringing awareness to the rise of depression among teens and children. Both groups are also highly affected, with “1 in 6 U.S. youths aged 6-17 experiencing a mental health disorder each year.” (Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness) While such statistics may sound disheartening, the good news is that early detection can help. By creating awareness this month, everyone can help take the next step and seek out professional help. This October, begin awareness by reading on for the top five common warning signs that you, or someone you know, may be suffering from depression or another mental health condition.
Warning Sign #1: A consistent low mood. When someone who is normally easygoing seems melancholy for more than two weeks, contacting a mental health professional needs to happen. According to the website, PsychCentral, “people with depression describe themselves as feeling numb or ‘flatlined.’”
Warning Sign #2: Loss of interest in usual activities. When an avid tennis player suddenly does not want anything to do with tennis, this is a red flag. When someone is experiencing depression, this is one of the easiest signs to spot.
Warning Sign #3: Recognizable change in weight and appearance. Both quick weight loss, as well as quick weight gain, are signs that someone could be dealing with a new mental health illness, like depression. Likewise, when someone who is normally exceptionally clean suddenly appears disheveled with poor hygiene habits, this is another noticeable sign.
Warning Sign #4: Poor sleeping habits. According to the Forbes Health article, “10 Common Depression Signs,” sleeping disturbances are a clear sign that something is not right. “Some depressed people can barely get out of bed, but sleeping too much is not the only issue of concern.” If someone has any type of sleeping disturbance, “from having difficulty falling asleep, waking up too early in the morning or waking frequently during the night,” these are all signs that depression could be at play.
Warning Sign #5: Decreased energy or fatigue. When someone is tired for many days in a row, despite not doing much that day, one should take note. Many people who have suffered from depression describe a “bone tired” feeling, which will not go away, no matter how much rest occurs.
In the end, depression is a highly treatable condition with many different options available, but awareness and early screening is the most crucial first step. Once a mental health professional is sought out, they can help determine the best course of action for every individual. Take the time, not only this month, but every month moving forward, to make sure you and your loved ones are okay mentally.
