In 1946, the National Mental Health Act became law and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) was born.
In 1946, the National Mental Health Act became law and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) was born. Today the NIMH has become the largest scientific organization in the world dedicated to research focused on Mental Illness. After its foundation , Mental Health week was launched in 1949. Soon after, this turned into Mental Health Month which aims to educate and inspire people worldwide to understand and help destigmatize mental illness.
Today, October 8th we celebrate National Depression screening day. Since 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated its recommendations on screening and requires that all adults be screened for Depression as part of their routine primary care visits. We celebrate this day to recognize the importance of Depression awareness. Diagnostic screening tools can help detect Depression, facilitate an informed diagnosis, and get people the help they need to manage their symptoms.
Observe National Depression Screening day by learning something new about Depression, support someone you know who battles Depression, and/or create awareness among your family, colleagues and friends by starting a conversation or sharing something you have learned that may help others. We are all in this together. [1]
Catherine Funes, PsyD
Advisory Board , Mental Health Board Chair for Invisible Me Warriors