In observance of National Depression Screening Day, October 8, 2015, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is encouraging all adults, 18 years of age and older, to take a free online screening for depression.

In Tennessee, it is estimated that more than 347,000 people over the age of 15 experienced symptoms of major depression in the last year, experiencing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, or irritable moods that significantly interfered with their daily routines.

About 42,000 adolescents per year (8.6% of all adolescents) in 2009-2013 had at least one major depressive episode in the year prior to participating in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Tennessee's percentage is similar to the national average.

"National Depression Screening Day is held each year during Mental Illness Awareness Week to call attention to depressive disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder," said Commissioner E. Douglas Varney, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. "Persistent depression can be a devastating mental illness. The good news is that it's highly treatable. Between 80 and 90 percent of people who seek and receive treatment for depression can resume their usual daily activities."

If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of depression, you can complete an online screening. It's a fast and effective assessment to screen for depressive disorders, and it is completely anonymous.

CLICK HERE to take the online screening for depression.

"Doctors can screen for depression in their offices, but many people just aren't comfortable in those settings," said Commissioner Varney. "The online assessment tool offers an opportunity to use a screening method that reduces any embarrassment and the results are generally very accurate."

It's estimated that as many as 10 million adults in the United States, or five percent of the adult population, cope with regular bouts of depression, characterized by sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, or an irritable mood.

Need more help?

To speak with someone about mental health or substance abuse services, contact the Helpline, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST at 800-560-5767, email: oca.tdmhsas@tn.gov.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 855-CRISIS-1 or 855-274-7471.