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National Depression Screening Day Oct. 9
Southwest Behavioral Services to provide free screenings for depression, other mood disorders
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Southwest Behavioral Services will participate in the 23rd annual National Depression Screening Day by providing free screenings for depression and other mood disorders at Southwest Health, 1400 East Side Road, Platteville, Thursday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon.

National Depression Screening Day raises awareness and screens people for depression and mood disorders and allows individuals to identify warning signs and connect with the appropriate treatment resources. Similar to many physical illnesses, early recognition and treatment offers the best opportunity for recovery from mental illness.

National Depression Screening Day, held on Oct. 9 through the nonprofit, Screening for Mental Health, serves as a supportive community initiative to connect the public with mental health screenings. This year’s theme focuses on viewing and treating mental health with the same gravity as physical health.

“Mental health deserves the same attention as physical health,” said Dr. T.J. Norton, psychiatrist at Southwest Behavioral Services. “Our goals for this event are to raise awareness for mental health disorders and connect community members who may be struggling with depression or other mood disorders with quality, local treatment options.”

Although the screenings are not diagnostic, they will determine if someone is exhibiting symptoms associated with depression and other mood disorders and if they should seek help. In a recent independent study commissioned by the nonprofit Screening for Mental Health, 55 percent of study participants who completed a depression and mood disorder screening sought treatment within three months.