This week is Mental Health Week. This is a time to assess where we are with respect to mental illness and to work on what still needs to be done.

It is being recognized by more and more of the public, legislators and insurance companies that mental disorders include physical disorders of the brain. There is a continual need to destigmatize these illnesses and to have them accepted as other physical disorders are.

Depression is being more widely identified through educational programs but education must continue. Of the people who have depression, one-third do not seek treatment, one-third seek treatment but are misdiagnosed, and of the remaining one-third, many do not receive adequate treatment. Eighty percent of depressed people can be effectively treated with proper medication, psychotherapy or both.

Today (Oct.9) is National Depression Screening Day. Call to locate a free, confidential screening site nearby. The number is 1-800-573-4433. Janet E. Ordway, M.D. Bangor