Carrie Steckl earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology with a Minor in Gerontology from Indiana University – Bloomington in 2001. She has spent over ...Read More
A few months ago, I shared with you my conflicted view of awareness months. This view hasn’t really changed, considering that along with worthy designations such as Black History Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October is also the recipient of such inane designations as National Kitchen and Bath Month, National Applejack Month, and – no, I’m not being sarcastic – National Sarcastic Awareness Month.
And you know what’s really sad? More people will probably drink applejack this month than go to the doctor for their much-needed mammograms (Yes, applejack is something you drink, not eat. I found this juicy bit of information in a blog post about National Applejack Month.).
But I will choose to persevere and try to bring attention to those awareness months (and weeks, and days) that I feel are truly worthwhile for the sake of our well-being.
That’s why I want to encourage you to be proactive on October 11, which is National Depression Screening Day. Agencies and organizations around the country will rally on that day to provide educational information about the signs and symptoms of depression and offer confidential, anonymous depression screenings with qualified mental health professionals. Those whose screenings show they might need more assistance will be referred to appropriate services in their community.
Here are a couple of reasons I support National Depression Screening Day:
Think about that. Two out of three. Imagine being weighted down with feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, helplessness, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and physical ailments such as fatigue. Now imagine living with that day after day – possibly year after year – without reaching out for help that could bring some real relief. Perhaps some of you already know what this is like.
I’m not blaming anyone for not seeking help, because the stigma surrounding depression is stifling and intimidating. And when we already feel like withdrawing into ourselves, why would we want to look outside of ourselves for assistance and understanding?
But I’m encouraging you to give it a try. If you won’t do it for me, do it for the Army.
What? That’s right – this post was inspired by an e-newsletter I received from the U.S. Army. Today’s issue focused on National Depression Screening Day and the Army’s initiative called Redefining Strength – Get Screened, Seek Care.
If the Army can do it, so can we. Don’t suffer silently. Be proactive and attend a screening on October 11. Find one near you by clicking here.