Although October’s National Depression Screening Month has passed, its message remains important. As the days grow shorter and year-end demands rise, it’s important to stay mindful of mental health, for ourselves, our colleagues, and our families.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 21 million adults in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2023, which is roughly 1 in 10 adults.

The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks depression as a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting not just mood and energy, but also concentration, sleep, and motivation. Left untreated, depression can impact every area of a person's life, including their job performance, relationships, and physical health.

For employers, this reality underscores the importance of fostering mental-health awareness in the workplace. Depression is not simply "feeling sad." It is a medical condition that deserves the same attention and support as any chronic illness. When employees have access to resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), teletherapy, and behavioral health benefits, they are more likely to seek help early and return to full productivity.

HR and Benefits: Supporting Mental Health

Many employers already provide programs that support mental health, but employees may not always be aware of them. HR leaders can make a powerful impact by highlighting these resources, promoting preventive care, and fostering a culture where seeking help is encouraged and normalized. Consider these ideas:

  • Remind employees that most medical plans include mental-health visits, often at the same copay as a primary-care visit.
  • Encourage employees to take advantage of annual preventive checkups; these visits are often an entry point for depression screenings.
  • Many Ancillary carriers (dental, vision, life) include an EAP benefit. In wellness communications, share your organization's EAP contact information.

Mental Health Screenings

Mental-health screenings are quick and confidential and can often be completed online in under five minutes. The screening results do not constitute a diagnosis, but they can help individuals recognize symptoms and prompt a conversation with a healthcare provider.

If an employee screens positive for depression, early treatment, which may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes, can significantly improve outcomes. According to the American Psychiatric Association, more than 75% of people who seek treatment report improved mood and function within months.

A supportive workplace matters

Building on the momentum from May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, raising awareness during National Depression Screening Month reinforces an important message: mental health is health. True support goes beyond a single observance; it’s about embedding well-being into everyday workplace culture. Simple actions, such as offering flexible scheduling for counseling, providing easy access to resources, hosting regular wellness check-ins, and fostering open conversations from leadership, can make a lasting difference in how employees feel supported and valued.

Carrier Resources

Crisis Support and Helplines

  • National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial or text 988 (available 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress)
  • Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 or text 838255
  • Trevor Project Lifeline (LGBTQIA+ youth and adults): Call or text 988, then press 3, or chat online
  • Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860 (U.S. only, peer support for transgender individuals)
  • BlackLine (for Black, Brown, and BIPOC communities): 1-800-604-5841
  • StrongHearts Native/First Nations Helpline: 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483)
  • Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (for anyone affected by a crisis or disaster)

Let this season be a reminder that no one should face depression alone. By promoting screenings, raising awareness, and fostering open conversations, organizations can help employees access the care they need while reinforcing a culture of compassion and wellbeing that lasts all year.

If you'd like to learn more, please contact me at:

Austin Scates
Senior Client Manager
ascates@venbrook.com 
Tel: 916.550.9507