Depression Screenings: A Crucial Tool for Early Intervention

Most people understand the value of regular physical health check-ups. Annual exams and blood tests help detect whether our bodies are functioning well or if there are any issues that need attention. But what about our behavioral health? Depression screenings are just as important and serve as mental health checkups. With Mental Health Awareness Week and National Depression Screening Day in October, it’s a timely reminder that considering a screening is valuable at any time of the year.

The Importance of Early Detection

Depression symptoms can emerge gradually and may not be readily apparent. Many individuals might dismiss persistent fatigue or feelings of hopelessness as just part of everyday stress. Although it’s normal to experience sadness or stress from time to time, ongoing feelings of sadness or hopelessness should not be overlooked. Depression screenings can help identify these signs early on.

When left unchecked, depression can worsen and become more complicated to treat. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that over 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression—it’s one of the leading causes of disability. Early detection through screening can lead to prompt intervention and better outcomes.

Breaking the Mental Health Stigma

Vail Health Behavioral Health has made tremendous progress in breaking the stigmas surrounding mental health in the mountain communities we serve. However, society as a whole still has work to do in fully normalizing conversations about behavioral health and recognizing its equal importance to physical health. If you had a persistent cough, you’d see a doctor. The same approach should apply to depression.

Regular depression screenings are like checking your emotional well-being in the same way you’d check your heart rate or cholesterol levels.

How Depression Screening Works

A depression screening usually involves filling out a quick questionnaire about how you’ve been feeling over the past few weeks or months. Your primary care physician can usually conduct these screenings during a regular check-up. Questions might include:

• Are you finding it hard to enjoy activities you used to love?
• Do you feel tired all the time?
• Have you had trouble concentrating?

These questions help give a snapshot of your mental health and whether further steps are needed. Many health insurance plans cover depression screenings, and there are also free online screening tools available as a first step.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Depression

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent sad mood or feelings of hopelessness
• Irritability or mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping notably more or less than usual)
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Thoughts of death or suicide

If you experience several of these symptoms for two weeks or more, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation. At Colorado Mountain Medical and Vail Health Behavioral Health, a positive response to initial screening questions opens the door for further intervention tailored to each patient’s specific needs. With patient consent, Integrated Behavioral Health may be included in medical visits to assess whether individuals could benefit from behavioral health services or support with treatment adherence based on their identified symptoms. Clinicians at Vail Health Behavioral Health frequently utilize data from depression screenings to address primary concerns and enhance treatment plans, which may include safety planning when needed.

What Happens After Screening?

There’s no such thing as “failing” a depression screening. If the screening indicates you may have depression, it simply means it’s time to explore your options. This could involve:

1. A more in-depth evaluation by a behavioral health professional
2. Discussing treatment options with your doctor, which might include therapy, medication, or a combination of both for best outcomes
3. Exploring lifestyle changes that can support holistic health, such as exercise, improved sleep habits, or stress-reduction techniques

The Impact of Early Intervention

Depression screening can pave the way for life-saving interventions. Since major depressive disorder is associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, screening serves as an essential tool in suicide prevention. Early identification of depression enables healthcare providers to deliver appropriate treatment and support before symptoms escalate.

Make Depression Screening Part of Your Health Routine

Just as we normalize going to the dentist, we should make regular depression screenings part of our health routine. Experts recommend patients get screened at each visit, as symptoms may fluctuate with life stressors and treatment interventions. Monitoring with screeners every 4-6 weeks is encouraged if they have risk factors or a history of depression.

If you believe you may be experiencing depression, reach out to your primary care physician or Vail Health Behavioral Health for a professional diagnosis and further support, or visit the Get Help Now page to explore additional resources.

Remember, you are not alone, and help is available. Taking care of your behavioral health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

This article was reviewed by Suzanne Torris, MS, RN, FNP, and Kala Bettis, LPC, LAC, LSC.