October is Depression Awareness Month

October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. The month is highlighted by two pivotal days with National Depression Screening Day on Thursday, Oct. 8, and World Mental Health Day Saturday, Oct. 10.

Leading the way in this month-long push is Mental Illness Awareness Week. Established by an act of Congress in 1990 and set on the calendar for the first full week of October, it was created to educate the public, combat stigma, and raise awareness about mental health conditions. Almost four decades later, the need for that awareness remains critical, as nearly 70% of enrolled college students faced a mental or behavioral health challenge within the last year, according to a 2026 United Healthcare study.

National Depression Screening Day was launched in 1991 by the non-profit organization Screening for Mental Health, Inc. (now known as MindWise

Innovations) and is the nation’s first voluntary, nationwide mental health screening initiative. The day was created to resemble a standard physical health check-up such as screening for high blood pressure or diabetes. The overall goal of the day is to reduce the stigma of mental illness, combat the under diagnosis of depression, and to bring awareness to the need for accessible and affordable mental health screenings.

Not everyone experiences depression in the same way, but it can affect any-

one at any time. Depression is a highly treatable condition with many different treatment options available, so it is important to seek out professional help and be screened.

The Bismarck State College Mystic Advising and Counseling Center offers free and confidential personal counseling to all enrolled BSC students.

Prioritize mental well-being today.