Why We’re Talking About This

October is a month when we naturally start slowing down. The days get shorter, routines shift, and many people start to feel those subtle dips in mood that can sneak up on us. That’s why we take this time at Washington Family Psychiatry to focus on depression screening — a simple but powerful way to check in on your mental health.

You’ve probably had your blood pressure or cholesterol checked, right? Think of a depression screening the same way — a quick, confidential check-in to make sure you’re doing okay emotionally and mentally.

What Exactly Is a Depression Screening?

A depression screening is just a short questionnaire — usually something like the PHQ-9 – a nine-question form that asks about things like your mood, sleep, appetite, and motivation over the past two weeks.

It’s not a test you “pass” or “fail.” It’s a starting point for a real conversation. Sometimes, people don’t even realize how much they’ve been struggling until they see their answers in front of them.

Screenings help us catch symptoms early, long before they spiral into something more serious. They’re quick, evidence-based, and they work — especially when followed by real support and care.

Why October Is the Perfect Time to Check In

There’s something about fall — shorter days, less sunlight, back-to-school stress — that can stir up mood changes. For some people, it’s subtle. For others, it can lead to full-on seasonal depression.

October also happens to include Mental Illness Awareness Week, which makes it a perfect reminder to pause and reflect: How am I really doing?

At Washington Family Psychiatry, we make depression screening a big part of our care. Our goal is to make mental-health care as routine and stigma-free as possible.

How It Works Here at Washington Family Psychiatry

When you come in for your appointment, we might ask you to fill out a short screening form. Then, we will sit down with you and talk about the results. If something stands out — maybe your energy’s been low or you’ve been feeling hopeless — we’ll take the time to unpack that together.

If your screening suggests depression, that’s not a bad thing — it just means we can start working on a plan. That might include therapy, medication, or even small lifestyle changes that can make a big difference. And if your screening doesn’t show any signs of depression, great! We’ll keep that on file as a baseline for next time.

For teens and kids, we use age-appropriate versions of the screening and always keep the conversation comfortable and respectful. Parents are part of the process too, so everyone stays informed and supported.

Why Screening Matters So Much

We believe strongly in screening because we’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference it makes.

Here’s why it’s so important:

• It catches problems early. Just like catching high blood pressure before it becomes heart disease, identifying depression early helps us treat it before it becomes overwhelming.
• It starts the conversation. Many people hesitate to bring up emotional struggles — screening makes it easier.
• It connects the dots. Depression often affects sleep, appetite, focus, and even physical health. A quick screening can uncover patterns that explain what’s been going on.
• It saves lives. Recognizing symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts early allows us to act quickly and provide the right support.

Screening isn’t about labeling you. It’s about helping you feel better — plain and simple.

 

What You Can Do This Fall

If you’ve never been screened before (or it’s been a while), now’s a great time to ask for one.

• Feeling more tired than usual?
• Not enjoying the things you normally love?
• Having trouble concentrating or sleeping?
• Feeling down or hopeless?

Those are all reasons to check in.

You can mention it at your next appointment or even call and ask to schedule a screening. It’s quick, private, and gives us a clear picture of how you’re doing.

And if you’re a parent — consider scheduling a screening for your teen. School pressures, social media, and life transitions can take a toll, and early intervention helps kids build lifelong coping skills.

Our Commitment to You: Let’s End the Stigma Together

Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. Sometimes it looks like irritability, exhaustion, or feeling “off.” Sometimes it looks like smiling on the outside while struggling inside.

At Washington Family Psychiatry, we want every patient who walks through our doors to feel seen, heard, and supported. Depression screening is just one of the tools we use to make that happen.

We offer:

• Friendly, judgment-free care — because mental health is health.
• Evidence-based tools like the PHQ-9 to guide our conversations.
• Collaborative treatment with therapists, primary care providers, and families.
• Accessible options like telehealth and flexible scheduling.

We believe screening is a small act with big impact — it’s one of the simplest ways to take care of yourself and those you love.

If you ever find yourself in crisis, please call or text 988 for immediate help. You are not alone.