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The Army marks National Depression Awareness Month in October with a theme of “Depression is Treatable — Get Screened — Seek Care.”
Clinical depression is a serious medical condition that, if left untreated, may lead to other complicated medical conditions. Seeking treatment for a medical condition is not a sign of weakness. It may prevent a good Soldier from becoming a casualty.
The National Institute of Mental Health has reported that major depressive disorder affects some 14.8 million people in the U.S.
Signs and symptoms of depression may include sadness, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, restlessness, withdrawing from friends and family or trouble concentrating or making decisions.
Depression may also produce body aches and pains, irritability, anxiety, over eating or loss of appetite, or thoughts of suicide or death.
Unfortunately, many people believe their symptoms are a normal part of life. Two-thirds of people who suffer from depression fail to seek the care needed.
The truth is, more than 80 percent of clinical depression cases can be treated effectively with medication, psychotherapy or both.
Often, the first step to recovery is a depression screening.
Anonymous depression screenings are available through the Department of Defense (www.militarymentalhealth.org or 877-877-3647), Department of Veterans Affairs (www.mentalhealth.va.gov/depression.asp) and civilian organizations (for example, mentalhealthscreening.org/programs/military/). The screening sites also provide information about how to get treatment.
Also, for more information, see www.behavioralhealth.army.mil/, www.resilience.army.mil, www.army.mil/csf/ and www.militaryonesource.com.
In A Nutshell
What Is It?
This month, the U.S. observes National Depression Awareness Month to bring attention to depression and educate others about the signs and symptoms and the availability of free anonymous behavioral health screenings.
Why screen for depression?
Clinical depression is a serious medical condition that, if left untreated, may lead to other complicated medical conditions. A depression screening is often the first step to getting well. Unfortunately, two-thirds of people who suffer from depression fail to seek help because they mistakenly believe their symptoms are a normal part of life. But more than 80 percent of all cases of clinical depression can be treated effectively with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both.
What has the Army done?
Anonymous depression screenings are available through the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs and behavioral health agencies and resources in local communities. This month, the Army encourages commanders and leaders to coordinate events locally with military and civilian behavioral health providers to educate others on depression and screening opportunities.
