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By rdnewsNOW Staff

AVAILABLE OCT. 7-13

Free depression self-assessment launched ahead of World Mental Health Day

Oct 7, 2024 | 11:12 AM

To mark National Depression Screening Day and World Mental Health Day on October 10, Albertans are invited to check in with themselves with a free and anonymous quiz that screens for depressive symptoms.

The self-assessment takes about three minutes and will be available online from October 7-13. Individuals of all ages are encouraged to take it.

“Depression is highly treatable, and early detection significantly improves the effectiveness of treatment,” says Dr. Robbie Babins-Wagner, Calgary Counselling Centre CEO. “The online screening quiz is an excellent resource for people to learn if they have depressive symptoms so they can begin to address it.”

The assessment is being offered by Alberta Blue Cross, in partnership with the Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta. It can be taken on a phone, tablet, or computer, and has been made available in six languages, including English, French, Chinese, Punjabi, Spanish and Ukrainian.

“We live in stressful times and as a champion for the wellbeing of Albertans, we recognize that the more we can do collectively to support one another in our mental health, the stronger we are not only as individuals but as a community,” says Brian Geislinger, Senior Vice-President of Corporate Relations and Community Engagement with Alberta Blue Cross. “This online self-assessment takes only a couple of minutes but it’s an invaluable resource for anyone living with depression.”

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Officials with the Calgary Counselling Centre say that depression effects one in five people at some point in their lives, and is the leading cause of suffering and disability worldwide. They also find that less than half of those with depression seek treatment.

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