Everyone has their ups and downs. Feelings of sadness and anxiety are normal with all the little stresses you encounter in daily life. But bigger issues like job loss, divorce or a death in the family can push a person toward a state of depression.
When these feelings have an effect on everyday activities such as work, sleep and your ability to interact with others, you might be suffering from clinical depression without even knowing it.
October 1-7 is San Diego Depression Screening Week and the County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP) and nearly two dozen community partners are offering free depression screenings and information at approximately 60 locations around the county.
“Clinical depression is a common medical illness suffered by 19 million American adults each year,” said Supervisor Ron Roberts, Chairman, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “One in four adults and one in five children in San Diego County suffer from a mental disorder or difficulty in any given year and depression is the most common.
“As part of the County’s Live Well, San Diego! initiative we encourage people to make depression screening a routine part of healthcare just as they get screenings for heart disease and diabetes.”
Screenings are the quickest and easiest way to spot the first signs of what could become a serious mental illness. During Depression Screening Week trained mental health volunteers will screen adults 18 years and older. At many sites, an experienced mental health clinician will be available to meet with individuals needing immediate intervention or referrals for ongoing help.
“There is no need to suffer in silence,” said HHSA Director Nick Macchione. “This is a great opportunity for people to come in and get screened and get whatever level of help or services is necessary.”
In addition to the week of screenings, the County’s multilingual Access and Crisis Line (888-724-7240) is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day with access to County Mental Health Services and Alcohol and Drug Services all year long.
Complete Depression Screening Week information, including the list of screening sites and participating agencies, can be found on the CHIP website www.sdchip.org or by calling the Access and Crisis Line. You can also call 2-1-1 or visit www.211sandiego.org.