National Depression Screening Day is Held Annually During Mental Illness Awareness Week in October
National Depression Screening Day is an annual campaign to raise awareness about mood disorders. This includes depression. The campaign provides the public with free, anonymous mental health screenings at helpyourselfhelpothers.org.
In past years, the National Depression Screening Day campaign has focused on suicide prevention. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the suicide rate in the United States increased 24 percent from 1999 to 2014. This was the highest it had been in decades. In response, Screening for Mental Health developed Stop a Suicide Today. This resource provides the public with information on the warning signs of suicide. It also provides action steps to take to save a life.
Suicide and the Pandemic
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that suicide deaths between 2019 and 2020 decreased by 3% overall. This decrease was by 2% in males and by 8% in females. However, suicide deaths for males in three age groups (10–14 years, 15–24 years, and 25–34 years) increased. And while suicide deaths decreased amongst white and Asian males, deaths increased for several groups. This includes Blacks, American Indian and Alaskan Natives, and Hispanic males Although we don’t know exactly what has led to the overall reported declines and increases in suicide rates, experts believe the COVID-19 pandemic may have played a part. “It’s been clear throughout the pandemic that the overall impact on the population’s mental health has been significant,” says Christine Moutier, MD, Chief Medical Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
Speak Up and Speak Out
We believe that everyone has the power to reduce the suicide rate by speaking about suicide. One way is to know how to respond when noticing suicide warning signs. And, taking action to get someone the help they need.
The color for suicide awareness is teal and purple. We offer pins in this color to raise suicide awareness.
(Content: twloha.com Image: boredpanda.com)
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