Are you one of the millions of Americans Who feel like they’re losing control over their own emotions? A recent Harvard Medical School study shows that 46 percent of Americans have experienced a mental illness at some point in their lives.

For most people, figuring out the line between “I’ve been moody lately” or “I get tired easily,” with “I have depression” is difficult. National Depression Screening Day® (NDSD) has been helping people make that distinction for the last 17 years. This year NDSD has become “NDSD Mental Health Screening™” to better reflect the event’s focus on multiple disorders. Kitsap Mental Health Services is participating by offering free mental health screenings on October 11 from 5 to 7pm at 3631 Wheaton Way (Lighthouse Plaza), Bremerton.

As part of the screening, you’re invited to fill out a one-page questionnaire assessing the likelihood stress disorder or postpartum depression. You will also have the opportunity to receive informational pamphlets and brochures, and follow up privately with a mental health professional if necessary. The program is free for all those who attend and is completely confidential.

“The stigma associated with depression and related disorders has decreased in recent years, but many people still aren’t able to recognize a mood or anxiety disorder in themselves and others,” says Rebecca Wilson. “This is an easy first step for anyone who’s concerned about their own mental health or the mental health of someone close to them.”

NDSD mental health screenings are held in October as part of Mental Illness Awareness Week. The event is a program of the nonprofit organization Screening for Mental Health, Inc. Screenings will be held across the country at approximately 2,500 screening sites, including hospitals, mental health clinics, colleges, and primary care offices.