October is National Depression & Mental Health Screening Month

This month is all about sharing information on depression and mental health. The ultimate goal is to make people aware of screenings and other prevention methods so they can find the help they need. Learn about the different observances happening in October and how you can participate.

National Mental Health Observances in October 2021

• National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month: This observance aims to create awareness around depression and the need for accessible and affordable mental health screenings. This year’s theme is “Mental Health and Older Adults, Addressing a Growing Concern.” With a more mature US population than ever—about 75 million people are ages 60 and older—the topic couldn’t be more pertinent.
• ADHD Awareness Month: October is the time to celebrate the successes of those living with ADHD, along with their families, educators, and caregivers. Creating awareness around ADHD also focuses on finding new ways to improve the lives of those with this condition.
• Mental Health Awareness Week (first week of October): Did you know that about one in four American adults suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in any given year? Dating back to 1990, Mental Health Awareness week is dedicated to educating people about mental illness. Seminars, health fairs, and art and music festivals are common methods of generating awareness.
• OCD Awareness Week (second week of October): This worldwide campaign spreads the message that effective help and treatment for OCD is available!
• National Depression Screening Day (October 7): About 40 million American adults, or 18 percent of the population, have anxiety or depression. National Depression Screening Day is intended to bring help and hope to those who suffer from these debilitating mental health conditions.
• World Mental Health Day (October 10): Over 150 countries have observed World Mental Health Day since its founding in 1992. The goal is to educate, move beyond stigma, and create awareness around mental health education and treatment options.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Depression

Not everyone experiences depression in the same way, but it can affect anyone at any time, including seniors. Depression, which is often coupled with dementia in older adults, can significantly decrease a person’s quality of life. It also raises healthcare costs, leads to lost productivity in the workforce and at home, and increases the risk of death.

Consider the following statements while thinking about yourself or a loved one, regardless of age. Then, look into getting treatment if you answer “yes” to any of them:

• Having trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much
• Having a poor appetite or struggling with overeating
• Frequently feeling sad, anxious, or “empty”
• Struggling with feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or despair
• Being disinterested in activities you/they once enjoyed
• Thinking or speaking of suicide
• Lacking energy or motivation to do everyday things
• Having trouble concentrating
• Moving or speaking slower than usual, or being jittery and restless

Helping a Loved One Affected by Depression

Depression is very common among older adults, and the struggle can be unbearable at times. This is reflected in the suicide rate of people over age 65, which is 19 per 100,000 people, compared to 13 suicides per 100,000 people in younger populations.

Don’t let it come to this. If you have a loved one affected by depression, here’s how to show you care:

• Offer your support, understanding, patience, and encouragement.
• Be a good listener.
• Extend social invitations. If they decline, keep trying, but don’t push.
• Never ignore comments about suicide. Instead, report them to your loved one’s doctor, therapist, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255).
• Help your loved one find an effective treatment for them.

Using Deep TMS™ to Treat Depression

Depression is a highly treatable condition with many options available for providing relief. One proven method is Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS). This advanced, non-invasive treatment uses magnetic fields to safely and effectively regulate the neural activity of the brain. It targets structures specifically associated with depression to garner the best results. Deep TMS relieves symptoms of depression without medication, anesthesia, side effects, or recovery time. If you’re interested in trying Deep TMS to treat depression, BrainsWay has the resources you need.

BrainsWay is a global leader in advanced neurostimulation treatments for mental health disorders, boldly advancing neuroscience with its proprietary Deep TMS platform technology to improve health and transform lives. BrainsWay is the first and only TMS company to obtain three FDA-cleared indications, including major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and smoking addiction. Deep TMS is backed by independent studies demonstrating its clinically proven efficacy.

For more information, please explore our extensive online knowledge center or use our website to find a provider near you.