National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) is October 8. This day is recognized on the Thursday of the first full week in October, and is dedicated to raising awareness about depressive disorders, reducing mental health stigma, and providing access to voluntary screening tools.

Depression is a common mental health condition that can cause people to feel extremely sad or empty and can impact their ability to enjoy daily life. According to the latest Gallup Depression Survey conducted in April 2026, 19.1% of adults in the U.S. have or are being treated for depression, representing approximately 51 million Americans.

The severity of depression symptoms can range from mild to severe and may be situational or chronic. Depression affects individuals differently, so not everyone who is experiencing depression will experience every symptom. 

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent sadness or feelings of emptiness

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyable

• Decreased energy and fatigue

• Changes in appetite that may lead to significant weight loss or weight gain

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

• Insomnia, early-morning waking, or oversleeping

• Restlessness or irritability

• Persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive disorders or chronic pain that do not respond to treatment

• Thoughts of death or suicide

The good news is depression is highly treatable, even in the most severe cases. The condition is often cyclical, and early treatment may help prevent recurring episodes.  Research shows that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which addresses problematic thought patterns, can be an effective treatment for depression and is sometimes combined with medication.  

I’m reminded of an insightful quote by writer and therapist Lisa Olivera: “Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you doesn’t mean you can, should, or need to do it alone”. 

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can be a great place to start if you or a loved one is experiencing depression and needs help connecting with appropriate resources for treatment. We invite you to take a brief, confidential depression screening through our behavioral health website, The Living Well Network. You will receive your score immediately after completing and submitting your responses, and you can share your results with a healthcare professional for assistance with planning next steps.

You can also call, text or chat 988 to speak with a counselor anytime at the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you or someone you know is in crisis, struggling with depression, or experiencing other mental health challenges.

Help is just a phone call away. If you or a household member is ready to get started, please visit our website at methodisteapcanhelp.org or call us at 901-683-5658.

Karole Shorter, LCSW, CEAP

Counselor

Karole Shorter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Employee Assistance Professional with over 25 years of counseling experience. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida A&M University and a master’s degree in social work from Florida State University. She joined the Methodist Healthcare EAP team in 2006 and was promoted to supervisor in 2019.