October is Depression Awareness Month

October is Depression Awareness Month

October 24, 2025 in News, Senior Life Solutions

Depression Awareness Month, observed annually in October, highlights the widespread impact of depression and the importance of mental health. This month serves as an opportunity to understand the symptoms, causes, and treatments of depression, reduce stigma and encourage those affected to seek help. 

Raising awareness is essential for promoting empathy towards those living with depression, helping to create a more supportive environment. Depression is a serious but treatable condition. Early intervention and access to mental health resources are keys to treatment. 

A quick, easy and confidential way to determine if you may be experiencing depression is to take a screening. A screening is not a diagnosis, but a way of understanding if your symptoms are having enough of an impact that you should seek help from a doctor or other professional. Symptoms of depression may include:

• Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
• Sleeping too much or too little; middle of the night or early morning wakeup
• Weight fluctuations, reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
• Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed
• Restlessness, irritability
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)
• Difficulty concentrating remembering or making decisions
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
• Thoughts of suicide or death 

You are not alone. Senior Life Solutions is our hospital-based outpatient program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults experiencing depression and/or anxiety related to life changes that are often associated with aging or chronic diagnoses. Anyone can make a referral to our program, including self-referrals. 

If you or someone you know is needing support, give us a call at 563-927-7560 or visit regmedctr.org/seniorlifesolutions.

Pictured: RMC Senior Life Solutions Group Therapy (photo contains mock patients)