According to CDC, Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

 Sometimes, due to circumstances not in our control, stress is created that can result in poor mental health. If this is not screened early, prolonged stress can lead to life damaging mental illness/ mental disorders. Thus, to increase awareness about importance of mental health screenings among children as well as adults, October is observed as mental health/Depression screening month.

 Most important thing to remember is that poor mental health is not same as mental illness. However, if the condition is ignored for prolonged period of time can develop into serious mental illness/disorder. Many genetic, environmental, lifestyle and traumatic life experiences can negatively impact mental health. Common signs of mental health problems may include excessive anxiety, extreme mood swings, social withdrawal and prolonged period of sadness.

Mental health conditions can also begin to develop in young children. The most common symptoms are behavioral and may include changes in school performance, avoiding bed/school, frequent disobedience and temper tantrums, hyperactivity and frequent nightmares.

Just like your physical health exam, a mental health screening is of utmost importance as it helps to understand your current emotional health.

Mental health screenings are a key part of youth mental health. Approximately 50% of lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 14. Mental health screenings allow for early identification and intervention thus providing better health outcomes. Early treatment may also lessen long-term disability and prevent years of suffering.

Various resources are available to get screened for mental health including online mental health screening tests which give you a quick snapshot. It is best to discuss the results with your school assigned mental health personal, doctor or you can directly reach out to professionals who specialize in mental health which include:

Psychiatrists: They can diagnose and treat mental health disorders. They can also prescribe medication.

Psychologists: They have doctoral degree. They can diagnose and treat disorders, but cannot prescribe medication. Some have a special license to do so.

Licensed clinical social workers: They have master’s degrees and training in mental health. They can’t prescribe medication but work with providers that do.

Licensed professional counselors: They have master’s degrees and offer counseling on a variety of mental health issues. They can’t prescribe medication but work with providers that do.

here is an infographic about importance of mental health screening which you can download for free.

Resources:

https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions

https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.ty4640#ty4643

Overcoming stigma  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/art-20046477

Pediatric symptom checker https://www.massgeneral.org/assets/MGH/pdf/psychiatry/psc/psc-english.pdf

Online screening test for youth https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/youth/

National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline https://www.nami.org/help