World Mental Health Day is October 10 each year, a day to talk openly about mental health and to check in on yourself and the people you care about. A check-in can be as simple as a few honest questions, and it is one of the easiest ways to catch a problem early.
Why a check-in matters
Depression and anxiety are common and treatable. In the most recent national survey, about 7.4 percent of U.S. adults, roughly 19.7 million people, had a major depressive episode in the past year. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening all adults for depression and screening adults 64 and younger for anxiety, because short questionnaires find many people who would not otherwise ask for help.
Questions to ask yourself
Over the past two weeks:
- Have I had little interest or pleasure in things I usually enjoy?
- Have I felt down, depressed or hopeless?
- Have I felt nervous, anxious or on edge, or unable to stop worrying?
- Has my sleep, appetite or energy changed?
- Am I pulling away from friends, family or work?
If you answered yes to some of these on most days, it is worth talking with a provider. These questions are a starting point, not a diagnosis.
Checking in on someone else
Ask directly and kindly: "You have seemed stressed lately. How are you really doing?" Listen without trying to fix everything, and offer to help them make an appointment. Studies show that asking someone whether they are thinking about suicide does not increase suicidal thoughts or behavior; it opens the door to help.
Need to Talk to Someone?
In-person in West Ashley or telehealth statewide across South Carolina.
What getting help looks like
A first visit usually starts with a conversation and a few short questionnaires. From there, care might include counseling, medication management or both, with regular follow-up to make sure it is working.
Sources: World Health Organization, World Mental Health Day; USPSTF, Screening for Depression in Adults; USPSTF, Anxiety in Adults: Screening; SAMHSA, National Survey on Drug Use and Health; NIMH, 5 Action Steps to Help Someone Having Thoughts of Suicide; 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Our providers see adults in person in West Ashley and by secure video anywhere in South Carolina, including counseling. Request an appointment; new patients are often able to be scheduled within a week of requesting an appointment.
Every patient is different. This article is general information, not medical advice, and may not apply to you. The right medication depends on your diagnoses, other health conditions and current medicines, so take medication only as directed by the provider managing your care. They are your best guide to the treatment that fits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
World Mental Health Day is October 10 each year.
If low mood, worry, or changes in sleep, appetite or energy have lasted most days for two weeks or more, or are affecting work or relationships, it is a good time to talk with a provider.
No. Studies show that asking people if they are suicidal does not increase suicidal thoughts or behavior. Asking directly and kindly opens the door to help. If someone is in danger, call or text 988 or call 911.