This observance emphasizes the importance of recognizing and treating depression and other mental health problems. When not treated, they can become debilitating and keep people from engaging in important activities of daily life. A dangerous effect of severe depression is that it can contribute to self-harm or suicide.
- A confidential, anonymous mental health screening is a brief set of questions that calculates how many common depression symptoms you’ve had over the past two weeks, and suggests where you might be on a scale from “not depressed” to “depressed” based on your answers.
- You can take a screening yourself or have a medical professional administer one. (A screening by itself does not result in a diagnosis).
- Go online to MagellanHealthcare.com/Mental-Health-Screening to answer behavioral health questions and total your own score—confidentially.
- Depression can be treated in various ways, including psychotherapy, antidepressant medicines and healthy lifestyle changes.
World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10th each year, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues and advocating for positive mental health. It's a day when individuals, organizations, and communities come together to promote mental well-being and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
The theme for 2023, “Mental Health Is a Universal Human Right,” aims to re-double efforts to ensure that everybody receives quality mental health care and that the human rights and well-being of people with mental illness are respected in all parts of the world so that every person with a mental health difficulty has:
- The right to be protected from known harms to mental health
- The right to access quality and affordable care when a person struggles with their mental health
- The right to freedom and dignity, including the right of choice
By supporting World Mental Health Day, we play a crucial role in breaking down the stigma that often surrounds mental health. Open conversations and education are key to eliminating misconceptions and promoting empathy.
Here are some essential facts to know:
- 21% of U.S. adults (52.9 million people) experienced mental illness in 2020. This represents 1 in 5 adults.
- Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide.
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 and the 3rd leading cause of death among those aged 15-24 in the U.S.
- Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
- 6.7% of U.S. adults (17 million people) experienced a co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness in 2020.
Remember, mental illness does not discriminate. Join us to help bring attention to the importance of sharing mental health stories and help improve the lives of millions of Americans living with mental illness.
Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental health resources.