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Depression Awareness Month

10 Minutes

Edited & medically reviewed by THE BALANCE Team

Fact checked

CONTENTS

Pink ribbons can be seen everywhere in October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We firmly support increasing public awareness and financing for this disease, which has decimated so many families and individuals.

However, we would like to add another hue to the equation this month: green ribbons. For millions around the world, a green ribbon denotes depression, another debilitating condition. Additionally, October is Depression Awareness Month. Similar to those who wear pink, the green ribbon worn in October in honor of depression awareness encourages folks to identify disease symptoms, support funds for treatment and research, and understand the significance of screening.

National Depression Awareness Week is observed in the United States as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, which happens during the first week of October. This program raises awareness of one of the most prevalent mental health diseases in the United States. Increasing awareness about depression is crucial for eliminating stigmas associated with it and other mental health conditions. Seasonal Depression awareness also helps individuals realize that they are not alone and that there are numerous support networks accessible to help them combat this illness.

October has been recognized by numerous mental health groups as Depression Awareness Month, and October 8 as Depression Awareness Day, in an effort to increase awareness of depression.

In the same way as wearing pink ribbons signifies appreciation for breast cancer awareness, the designated color for depression awareness is green. Folks wear the green depression awareness ribbon to advocate acknowledgment of depression as a condition and raise awareness of it. Depression Awareness Month is also an opportunity to generate funds for research into depression treatments. Furthermore, it is a chance to educate the public about the sufferings, realities, and emotions of those who deal with depression.

Depression Awareness Month is not just about assisting those who are aware of their depression. It also involves assisting folks who believe they do not require assistance. Raising awareness of depression makes individuals feel more at ease in discussing their experiences. In addition, it assists those around them in recognizing the symptoms of depression in someone who is otherwise in denial.

It might be difficult for veterans to identify depression or other trauma-related illnesses. In addition, veterans frequently find it difficult to ask for assistance when they identify a problem. This happens because military members are trained to deal with their own problems, although in civilian life this is not always the case. Veterans must therefore assess their mental health both throughout and outside of National Depression Awareness Month.

As the days become shorter in the fall, it seems appropriate that October 2022-23 will be a time to reflect on depression and other types of mental illness. The month of October includes and is recognized as ADHD Awareness Month, National Depression Screening Day, Mental Illness Awareness Week, World Mental Health Day, National Bipolar Awareness Day, and OCD Awareness Week around the world.

We advise our readers to visit one of the websites mentioned below to learn more about depression.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Mental Health America (MHA)

During Depression Awareness Month, individuals can contribute by distributing depression-related educational materials to their loved ones. You can post online content or discuss depression face-to-face.

It is essential to recognize that strong stigma frequently accompanies depression and depression therapy. By speaking about depression with your family and friends, your family members and dear ones may feel more at ease discussing the issue themselves. Also, if a family member or friend is suffering from depression, they may be more ready to seek treatment if the stigma around depression is reduced.

If you have not previously, educate yourself on the symptoms and signs of depression and the danger of suicide. If you suspect you may be suffering from depression, mental health facilities and doctor’s offices offer screening services.

The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that depression is treatable.

Since 1949, the month of May has been celebrated in the United States as Mental Health Awareness Month. It was developed by the organization Mental Health America (formerly referred to as the National Association for Mental Health) to educate the public and increase awareness about mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder, as well as to decrease the stigma associated with mental illness.

The purpose of Mental Health Month is to promote awareness about the trauma and social impact mental illness may have on the emotional, physical, and mental health of families, children, and the community as a whole.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and other entities inside the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have made significant progress over the past two decades in their efforts to raise awareness of the significance of mental health awareness, prevention, and treatment.

Some of the most effective initiatives aimed at encouraging mental health acceptance, prevention, support, and recovery include, but are not limited to:

The Affordable Care Act – About 30 million additional Americans now have health insurance because of this act. A projected 11 million of these people will have access to services for substance addiction and/or mental health problems.

The Community Mental Health Services Block Grant – This grant provides financial support to states and territories for the implementation of state plans to provide thorough community-based mental health services and evidence-based methods to adults with severe mental illnesses and children with severe emotional disturbances.

The Mental Health Parity and Drug Addiction Equity Act of 2008 – This act removed the practice of unequal health care and increased access to much-needed substance use and mental health disorder treatment services by ensuring more fair insurance coverage.

The Garrett Lee Smith State/Tribal Suicide Prevention Program – This initiative promotes collaboration between public and private sector organizations in the creation, execution, and assessment of adolescent suicide prevention and early intervention strategies among youth-serving institutions, like educational institutions, schools, juvenile justice systems, substance addiction programs, mental health programs, primary care, foster care systems, and other organizations.

All through May and throughout the year, numerous groups opt to hold awareness events and campaigns. This includes National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, National Depression Screening Day, Mental Illness Awareness Week, Minority Mental Health Month, and many others.

National Depression Education and Awareness Month is commemorated annually in October. Based on the data from Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, over 14.8 million American adults suffer from Major Depressive Disorder. Due to this, suicide is the 3rd highest cause of death for young adults aged 15 to 24, and the numbers are rising.

Depression is extremely painful for both the individual suffering from it and their loved ones. Depression causes its victims to feel, among other things, hopeless, worried, worthless, and nervous. Even if everything in their lives appears to be “doing well,” persons with depression seldom see a light at the end of the tunnel. It is difficult for others to comprehend because, frequently, there is no clear reason for the individual’s depression.

This is why it is essential to initiate the dialogue, despite initial discomfort. It will prevent deaths.

Mental Health Awareness Month encourages individuals to understand how mental illness affects their life, educates them about services available, and promotes methods to advocate, regardless of whether they have a mental illness themselves.

Important means of eradicating the stigma linked to mental illness include recognition and education. Seasonal Depression Awareness Month provides a time and place for dialogue. Openly discussing mental health helps remove myths and stigma, and enables those who are struggling to get assistance and discover a support system.

It is essential for friends, caregivers, and family members to comprehend the influence mental health has on daily living. October Depression Awareness Month gives information about the realities of living with a mental health problem – despite the fact that it might make life more challenging, it does not have to prevent a person from leading a full life. When individuals are better informed about these conditions, they are better able to offer support and assistance to those struggling with mental health issues.

Depression Awareness Month is also a time for fundraising, community outreach, and educational events. This, in effect, can directly facilitate research, fund treatment choices, and connect activists to improve the trajectory of mental health care.

Important aspects of depression awareness month include the following:

It promotes conversations

The benefits of discussing depression and reducing the stigma surrounding it are immense. In addition, this helps regulate depression (which is important, considering over 16.2 million individuals have experienced a major depressive episode). Engage with members of your community and use hashtags such as #depressionawareness and #DepressionEducation&AwarenessMonth to start a dialogue on social media.

It motivates others to seek help

No one should be expected to face depression on their own. By being honest about the symptoms and indicators of depression and eliminating the stigma associated with it, we may encourage others to discuss their experiences with a parent, trusted friend, therapist, or doctor.

It sparks national reform

Numerous politicians, celebrities, and ordinary folks alike struggle daily with depression. Consequently, this provides numerous doors to change. Donating to a depression organization/support group, participating in an awareness walk (like NAMI), and following celebs and mental health proponents on social media (like Kristen Bell, Lady Gaga, Michael Phelps, and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson) can aide us in altering how our culture perceives and reacts to depression.

Spread information on the detrimental effects of depression. Use the hashtag #DepressionAwareness for social media posts. Depression is frequently mistaken as merely “feeling sad.” Depression is the exact opposite of simple; it is a complex disorder that can affect people of any gender, age, race, or status in life.

Depressed mood, weight/appetite change, loss of pleasure in all or most activities, change in activity and sleep, exhaustion and loss of energy, lack of focus, worthlessness or guilt, and suicidal ideation are some of the symptoms of depression. If a person suffers multiple of these symptoms for at least two weeks, they should seek medical attention immediately. It goes beyond sadness. A chemical disequilibrium in the human brain needs prompt medical care.

Reach out

One of the finest ways to celebrate this holiday is by reaching out to family, friends, and community members. A sympathetic ear, a reassuring embrace, empathy, and asking more questions without making judgments can go a long way toward bringing comfort to people.

Tell your story

Don’t be scared to share your personal depressive experiences with people who are struggling. Depression is quite prevalent, and letting others know they are not alone may be incredibly reassuring.

Empower yourself with education

One of the best things you can do to help yourself (and others) is to educate yourself on the symptoms and outcomes of depression. The greater your knowledge, the greater your ability to discern when someone might require your support and love.

FAQs

When Is Depression Awareness Month?

October will be observed as a depression awareness month. The depression awareness day would be observed on Tuesday, 10 October 2023.

How Can Depression Awareness Campaigns Help Tackle Mental Health Epidemics?

Depression affects 322 million people worldwide, and over 15 million American adults suffer from depression annually. Furthermore, many incidences of depression go undetected. Each October, supporters of behavioral health engage in Depression Awareness Month to tackle the issue of depression.
People work throughout the month to inform others about the symptoms, signs, and effects of depression. Additionally, activists seek to inform depressed individuals that treatment and recovery are possible.

HOW THE BALANCE CAN HELP

The Balance RehabClinic is a leading provider of luxury addiction and mental health treatment for affluent individuals and their families, offering a blend of innovative science and holistic methods with unparalleled individualised care.