According to Wikipedia, there are nearly 100 monthlong observances celebrated in the United States each year. From Breast Cancer Awareness Month (observed this month) to American Heart Month (a February observance), National Hispanic Heritage Month (celebrated in September), and one of my favorites, Women’s History Month, observed each March.
Observances help promote understanding and educational awareness of health-related topics, cultural traditions, historical tributes, social issues, and in many cases, religious holidays.
This week is observed as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), focusing on educating the public on mental illness to better promote the understanding of mental health issues, while reducing the stigma and discrimination.
Organized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), MIAW creates the opportunity for community-sponsored activities across the country, including educational sessions to increase and encourage open conversations for those individuals and families who are living with mental illness.
Other goals include advocating policies to improve treatment access, while companioning those needing mental health services with the appropriate resources, support networks, and treatment options. Research also is a significant aspect of MIAW as it serves to highlight advancements in mental health research as well as the positive impacts of early intervention.
National Depression Screening Day is also observed as part of MIAW to support early detection of depression and provide supportive resources.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 21 million adults in the United States have had at least one major depressive episode during their lifetime. According to its study, depressive episodes were higher among adult females (10.3%) compared to males (6.2%), were highest among individuals aged 18-25 (18.6%).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the statistics for depression in older adults (seniors), are not staggering, but concerning: 1-5% of senior adults in general are clinically depressed, 11.5% of seniors who are hospitalized become depressed, and 13.5% of seniors who require home health care also deal with depressive episodes.
Seniors have a higher risk of developing depression due to chronic illnesses, decreased functional ability from chronic pain, financial issues and elder abuse and loneliness.
The Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) recently hosted programs to support those suffering from depression and mental health needs. In the past we received grants from the Florida Association and Charitable Clinics, which allowed our clinic to see uninsured, low-income, Osceola residents. This grant also provided case management and pharmacy assistance.
“Supporting mental health needs means more than treatment; it is about creating opportunities for connection, engagement, and purpose,” said OCOA Aging Health Clinical Director Nicole Santiago, RN, BS.
For those looking for online resources, Mental Health America offers anonymous online screenings to help assess depression risks. Information can be found at https://screening.mhanational.org/.
As with all health screenings, they promote early detection and intervention, which can lead to better outcomes and reduce risk of symptoms worsening, chronic conditions, and even suicidal behavior.
If you or a family member is dealing with what you believe to be depression or depressive symptoms, NAMI provides information, resource referrals, and nationwide peer support. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
