National Depression Screening Day
National Depression Screening Day
t’s time to break the silence around mental health. National Depression Screening Day offers a simple, powerful tool—free, anonymous screenings. No judgment. Just support. Early detection can change lives. Visit helpyourselfhelpothers.org. Take the first step. You’re not alone.
Depression doesn’t always look the same. It can hide behind smiles, busy schedules, or everyday stress. That’s why checking in matters. These screenings are quick, private, and backed by professionals. Whether you’re struggling or just unsure, it’s okay to ask questions. It’s okay to seek help. Start with a screening. Start with you.
What Is a Mood Disorder?
A mood disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects your emotional state. These disorders can cause intense, long-lasting feelings of sadness, elation, or anger that interfere with daily life. While everyone experiences emotional ups and downs, mood disorders are different—they persist for weeks or longer and often disrupt relationships, work, or school.
The good news? Mood disorders are treatable. Many people find relief through a combination of medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy).
Two of the most common mood disorders are depression and bipolar disorder.
Mood Disorders and Suicide
National Depression Screening Day has long focused on suicide prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the suicide rate in the U.S. rose by 24% between 1999 and 2014—the highest in decades. In response, Screening for Mental Health launched Stop a Suicide Today, a public resource offering education on suicide warning signs and clear steps you can take to help save a life.
Suicide and the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic brought complex changes to mental health. CDC data show a 3% overall decrease in suicide deaths from 2019 to 2020, with a 2% decrease among males and an 8% decrease among females. But the story doesn’t end there.
Suicide deaths increased among males aged 10–34, and among Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic males. While we don’t fully understand what caused these shifts, experts believe the pandemic played a significant role in both the decreases and the increases.
“It’s been clear throughout the pandemic that the overall impact on the population’s mental health has been significant,”
— Christine Moutier, MD, Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Speak Up and Speak Out on National Depression Screening Day
We all have the power to reduce suicide. Speaking up can save a life. Recognizing the warning signs of suicide and knowing how to respond makes a real difference. National Depression Screening Day is a chance to act. A chance to help. A chance to care.
If You Need to Talk, Help Is Here
📞 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Languages: English, Spanish
Hours: 24/7/365 — Free and confidential
Just dial 988 to talk, text, or chat with a trained crisis counselor. You’re not alone.
Personalized Cause® and National Depression Screening Day
The official colors for suicide awareness are teal and purple. To help raise awareness, Personalized Cause® offers suicide prevention pins in this color combination. Pins are available in both personalized and non-personalized versions. Personalized pins can be engraved with a name, date, or short message in honor or memory of a loved one.
We also offer suicide prevention fabric ribbons in bulk—perfect for awareness campaigns, community events, or as giveaways during National Depression Screening Day.
Take Action
💻 Visit helpyourselfhelpothers.org for a free, anonymous mental health screening.
Start the conversation. Break the stigma. Save a life.
Because mental health matters—every day.