Life moves fast, and it is easy to overlook how we’re really doing. October is National Depression Screening Month, offering us a gentle nudge to slow down and check in with ourselves and with the people we care about. Screenings are a simple first step that can open the door to understanding and support.
Mindfulness, the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment, has been shown to support those with depression. A recent psychological study found that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) helps prevent a recurrence of depression as effectively as maintenance antidepressant medication. MBCT allows those with depression to respond to their thoughts and feelings with more compassion.
Getting started doesn’t have to be complicated. You may pause for a few mindful breaths, focus on the sensation of your feet while walking, or take a walk in nature. Even small moments of mindfulness can begin to shift how we respond to difficult emotions.
Mental Health America has a free anonymous Mental Health screening. Anyone can take it. It is a simple, private way to check in on your emotional well-being. In just a few minutes, you can gain a better understanding of what you’re feeling and take the first step toward support.
A screening takes a few minutes. Mindfulness can start with a single breath. Both can make a difference. This October, let National Depression Screening Month be your reminder to pause, reflect, and take care of your mental health.