Since 1992, this effort has helped hundreds of thousands across the country recognize depression, get needed treatment, and resume productive, fulfilling lives. At the local level, the Campaign draws strength from 60 local mental health associations in 34 states that bring the Campaign s education programs, advocacy activities and screenings directly and effectively to their local communities. The Campaign works closely with the Screening for Mental Health, Inc. to coordinate hundreds of sites for National Depression Screening Day and promote year-round screenings in local communities across the country. This includes major depressive disorder, manic depression and dysthymia, a milder, longer-lasting form of depression. Depression causes people to lose pleasure from daily life, can complicate other medical conditions, and can even be serious enough to lead to suicide.
Depression can occur to anyone, at any age, and to people of any race or ethnic group.
Depression is never a normal part of life, no matter what your age, gender or health situation. Unfortunately, though treatment for depression is almost always successful, fewer than half of those suffering from this illness seek treatment. Too many people resist treatment because they believe depression isn t serious, that they can treat it themselves or that it is a personal weakness rather than a serious medical illness. The choice of treatment depends on the pattern, severity, persistence of depressive symptoms and the history of the illness. As with many illnesses, early treatment is more effective and helps prevent the likelihood of serious recurrences.