Mental Health Screenings Key to Early Detection, Better Outcomes.

Over 1,000 Sites Nationwide Offer Anonymous, Free In-Person and Online Mental Health Screenings as part of National Depression Screening Day on October 11(th)

BOSTON -- On October 11th, in recognition of National Depression Screening Day([R]), community organizations, primary care providers, colleges and military installations throughout the nation will offer free, anonymous mental health screenings in an effort to educate members of the public about the symptoms of depression and warning signs of suicide, and the appropriate course of action to take. The free screenings address bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. As part of the program mental health professionals will be available to speak with individuals regarding their personal situations at no cost and with no appointment necessary. Individuals can also take an online screening by visiting www.mentalhealthscreening.org.

"As with other illnesses such as cancer or hypertension, the early detection of mental health disorders greatly increases the chances that an individual will receive the appropriate treatment and experience a better quality of life," said Douglas G. Jacobs, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and founder of Screening for Mental Health, Inc. "It is our hope that people will take advantage of the opportunity to participate in a screening and learn about the warning signs of depression, mental illness and suicide, and what they can do if they or a loved one is at risk."

According to a 2007 Brandeis University study, screenings for mental health and substance abuse disorders can improve detection of behavioral health conditions and are the first step to receiving treatment.

"An untreated mental disorder can lead to a more severe, more difficult to treat illness, and to the development of co-occurring disorders," added Jacobs.

This year's campaign, Stop a Suicide Today, helps individuals learn the symptoms of depression and the warning signs of suicide; educates friends and family members on what to do if a loved one is at risk; and gives individuals the opportunity to talk to a mental health professional about their own or a loved one's situation. A recent public opinion survey on mental health, depression and suicide revealed that three quarters of Americans believe that suicide is preventable, yet only 27 percent feel very confident that they could help a loved one who is suicidal.

Developed by Screening for Mental Health, Inc., this is the 17th annual National Depression Screening Day (NDSD). NDSD and its Stop a Suicide Today campaign are endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association and are being conducted in partnership with organizations including the American Association of Suicidology, Suicide Prevention Action Network USA, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Suicide Prevention Resource Center and Mental Health America. For more information about NDSD, to locate a site that is offering screening on October 11th, to take a screening online or to learn more about the results of the public opinion survey, visit www.mentalhealthscreening.org.

Screening for Mental Health, Inc. (SMH) is the non-profit organization that first introduced the concept of large-scale mental health screenings with its flagship program, National Depression Screening Day, in 1991. SMH programs now include both in-person and online programs for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, alcohol use disorders, and suicide prevention. SMH programs have been used by hospitals, mental health centers, social service agencies, government agencies, older adult facilities, primary care clinicians, colleges, secondary schools, corporations, military installations and HMOs, reaching individuals ranging from teens to older adults.