National Depression Screening Day: Stop a Suicide Today

Each year in the US, 30,000 people take their own life and 70% of them tell someone they are planning to do so, or give warning signs. National Depression Screening Day events hope to identify people at risk and get them into treatment. Depression takes a toll on the lives on the depressed individual and family, but the effects of a suicide are indelible, like a tattoo.

Find a site near you by clicking on your state at their website. This year, returning military personnel and their families are especially encouraged to participate. Want more anonymity? You can complete the screening process online. Colleges are also participating in CollegeResponse. Young adults are vulnerable during their first time away from home.

SOS Signs of Suicide programs are now reaching out into High Schools and Middle Schools. I just signed the form yesterday for my own daughter to participate in her middle school program. I will never forget my two high school friends who I lost to suicide. Bill Lane - senior class president, class clown. Rich Erpel - brilliant violinist. You both made me laugh. Rest in peace, where ever you are... My wish for today is that no other child has to feel the pain of that tragic loss.

Labels: depression, screening, suicide prevention

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