State Marks National Depression Screening Day

Today is National Depression Screening Day, a chance for mental health officials to raise awareness about clinical depression. The Missouri Department of Mental Health points out clinical depression can affect peopleof all ages, races, ethnic and social backgrounds. Doctor Joseph Parks, the Department’s Medical Director, says anyone who doesn’t feel good about himself or herself should be treated as if it were any other medical condition. Doctor Parks says today should serve as a reminder to anyone who might be having emotional problems to get a mental health check-up. Doctor Parks says over the course of their lives, one in five people will have aserious episode of depression. And, at any given time, three to five percent will have trouble with moderate or severe depression.