Thursday is National Depression Screening Day

by KYW’s Karin Phillips

The public can get free, anonymous mental health screenings nationwide on Thursday, National Depression Screening Day.

Screening for Mental Health is a national organization that sponsors National Depression Screening Day October 5th. On Thursday, Americans can get a free, anonymous mental health screening at over 1500 sites nationwide.

Day founder Dr Douglas Jacobs says experts are especially looking for people who are having problems sleeping, who should consider that anxiety and depression are turning them into insomniacs:

“:The initial reaction is to consult their primary care physician and want a "sleeping pill." Sleeping pills are not bad and they can be extraordinarily helpful, but it may be only part of the problem.”

To find a local site for the free screening or take an online test on visit the Screening for Mental Health’s web site.