Clinical depression strikes some 17 million to 20 million Americans each year. It is set to be the second leading cause of disability in the world by 2020, second only to heart disease.

Depression is a treatable condition, and becoming better informed about it can save lives. National Depression Screening Day is Oct. 10, a chance for people to go in for free, anonymous mental health screenings to curb these dire statistics.

National Depression Screening Day was designed specifically to call attention to the illnesses of depression, manic-depression and anxiety on a national level.

Those involved with NDSD aim to educate the public about their symptoms and effective treatments, to offer individuals the opportunity to be screened for the disorders, and to connect those in need of treatment to the mental health care system.

National Depression Screening Day is a program of the nonprofit organization, Screening for Mental Health.

There is a place to go for screening for National Depression Screening Day. On Oct. 10, The Acadia Hospital will offer free, anonymous mental health screenings for depression, manic depression, generalized anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder to better help people figure out what may be wrong, and where they should go for help.

The screenings will be held at The Acadia Hospital beginning at 5 p.m., with individuals having the opportunity to sign up for a 5, 5:30, 6 or 6:30 p.m. session.

Call 973-6166 to register. Please leave your first name and telephone number.

Anyone interested in coming in for screenings will have the opportunity to hear a short educational presentation, complete a written screening test and talk one-on-one with a mental health professional.

Those who appear to need further evaluation will be given information on local treatment services. It is important to remember that depression is treatable.

What are symptoms of depression?

Symptoms of depression can include a feeling of sadness, a loss of pleasure in usual activities, changes in sleep and appetite, hopelessness, guilt, inability to concentrate, and thoughts of death and suicide.

In someone with depression, these symptoms don’t go away by themselves and persist over time.

Eighty percent of depressed people who receive treatment do improve within months, yet less than half of those with depression ever go in for treatment.

This is why NDSD is so important. So, get out there, or get your brother, your sister, your father, your mother out there for a free screening while you have the opportunity.

Depression doesn’t discriminate. It can affect men and women of all ages, nationalities and heritages.

I urge everyone to get screened and learn what depression is, how you can recognize it and what can be done about it.

The screenings are free and anonymous, so you have nothing to lose – and a life to gain.

For info on National Depression Screening Day, check

www.mentalhealthscreening.org/depression.htm.

Dr. Linda Austin hosts “What’s On Your Mind” at 1 p.m. Thursdays on Maine Public Radio. The featured guest Oct. 3 is Dr. Douglas Jacobs, founder of National Depression Screening Day.