Mental illness is a serious issue that affects millions of Americans each year. One in five adults in the United States suffer from mental illness, but most people don’t know they have until it’s already had an impact on their life, work, and/or relationships.
In honor of National Depression Screening Day on October 7, 2021, consider taking the time to encourage your employees to get screened if they feel they might need help. For those who may be unaware they have depression or other conditions, this is an excellent opportunity to get checked.
What is National Depression Screening Day (NDSD)?
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week in October, communities, schools, and workplaces have encouraged members of their communities to undergo depression screening for National Depression Screening Day.
National Depression Screening Day is a day that helps people screen themselves for depression. The day provides the opportunity for people to get help who might otherwise not seek professional medical advice to see the first signs of depression. For those who are unaware, this screening isn’t meant to diagnose the person but rather provides them with an idea of whether or not they should see their doctor.
Why People Need Depression Screening
Anyone can suffer from depression, but it can be especially debilitating on the job. Increasing evidence links depression and work organization, resulting in lower productivity at the workplace. An estimated $17-44 billion dollars in workdays are lost each year due to depression. Your employees’ mental and emotional well-being is compromised when they suffer from depression. This affects both their careers and their ability to take care of themselves and others.
How to Participate in Mental Health Screening in the Workplace
Employers may not always be aware of their employees’ mental and emotional struggles or how to best help them cope. They can provide more support for workers struggling with issues like depression by encouraging participation in free, anonymous online screenings that can identify if there are underlying causes contributing to symptoms such as insomnia or substance abuse.
With these free, anonymous mental health screenings, the company is highlighting that their employees’ mental health matters beyond productivity numbers. Employees can then recognize potentially serious problems early and seek medical advice, or else the problems will worsen without intervention.
Depression Screening Isn’t Just For One Day
Depression screening is not something that should be done just once and forgotten. By providing access to depression screenings and incorporating them into your company’s wellness programs, you are giving your employees the opportunity for a mental health check-in without stigma or judgement. It’s time we started treating each other with kindness and understanding – even during those tough days at work when things seem bleakest.