Screening Program Helps Identify Mental Illness

Posted: Sep 26, 2012 at 3:45 PM [Sep 26, 2012]

(Saline, MI 9-26-12) – In the U.S., almost one in 10 adults has depression but more than half of those suffering never seek treatment. Screening for depression and other mood disorders is important as it allows individuals to identify warning signs early, and connect with the appropriate treatment resources. Early recognition and treatment offers the best opportunity for recovery.

National Depression Screening Day, held on October 11th, 2012, serves as a supportive community initiative to connect the public with mental health screenings. Through this program, the Center For Family Psychiatry is offering free, anonymous mental health screenings at their office located at 1235 N. Industrial, Suite 4 in Saline on Thursday, October 11, 2012 from 9:00am – 6:00 pm on a walk-in basis. Mental health screenings are an easy way for people to monitor their health and learn about local treatment options.

 

“Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that about half of American adults will develop a mental illness in their lifetime,” says Dr. Ravi Kirbat, Clinical Director of the Center For Family Psychiatry. “It’s important to learn the signs and symptoms of depression, such as changes in appetite, loss of energy or loss of interest in your usual activities, as well as the necessary steps you can take to improve your health.”

 

Research supports the use of mental health screenings as a means of helping individuals identify symptoms that may be consistent with a mental health disorder, and to seek treatment if needed. In an independent study commissioned by the nonprofit Screening for Mental Health®, 55 percent of study participants who completed a depression screening sought treatment within three months of taking the screening.

 

More than 1,000 organizations nationwide are hosting National Depression Screening Day events including hospitals, colleges and military installations. After completing a screening, participants receive referral information to local agencies that offer further evaluation and treatment.

 

About Screening for Mental Health

For more than two decades, Screening for Mental Health, Inc. (SMH) has partnered with organizations to provide mental health education and screening programs, including National Depression Screening Day, National Alcohol Screening Day®, and the National Eating Disorders Screening Program®. These programs are designed to educate, reduce stigma and screen people for alcohol problems and mood and anxiety disorders. Individuals can locate a mental health screening site or take an online screening by visiting www.HelpYourselfHelpOthers.org. For more information about SMH, visit www.MentalHealthScreening.org.