October is an important month for the DC Integrated Care program as we kick off Mental Health Awareness week and continue as National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. These designations bring awareness to recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions. Many local and national organizations have special programs during this time. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is hosting several educational sessions for individuals with mental illness, along with their friends and family. SAMHSA, which recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness month, also has resources on its website.
Every month can be Mental Health Awareness Month for your practice, staff, and patients. As we transition from summer to autumn, many patients are at risk for seasonal affective disorder and challenges from other life stressors.
Screening patients for depression and other mental health conditions is a critical component of the Integrated Care DC program. Talk with your ICDC coach or reach out to the program team for further information on how to improve your screening processes.
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