Depression Awareness Month
Written by: THE BALANCE
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Boss, MD
Last updated: January 19, 2026
Fact checked
Quick Summary
  • The green ribbon takes center stage as a symbol of hope and understanding for those battling this often invisible adversary.
  • Depression Awareness Month encourages us to educate ourselves about this condition, recognize the signs, and extend our support to those on their path to healing.
  • Folks wear the green depression awareness ribbon to advocate acknowledgment of depression as a condition and raise awareness of it.
Reading time: 8 min

In October, we direct our focus to an important cause: depression awareness. The green ribbon takes center stage as a symbol of hope and understanding for those battling this often invisible adversary. Depression Awareness Month encourages us to educate ourselves about this condition, recognize the signs, and extend our support to those on their path to healing.

At The Balance, our team is dedicated to dispelling stigmas surrounding depression and mental health conditions and reminding individuals that they are not alone, with support networks ready to assist in the fight against this illness. 

October has been recognized by numerous mental health groups as Depression Awareness Month,, in an effort to educate the public about the realities of those who deal with depression.

 The designated symbol for depression awareness is a green ribbon. Folks wear the green depression awareness ribbon to advocate acknowledgment of depression as a condition and raise awareness of it. Depression Awareness Month is also an opportunity to generate funds for research into depression treatments. Depression Awareness Month aligns with our mission to provide support, treatment, and resources at the Balance,  also assisting folks who believe they do not require assistance. Raising awareness of depression makes individuals feel more at ease in discussing their experiences. In addition, it assists those around them in recognizing the symptoms of depression, and most importantly: reminding them that depression is treatable.  (source: NIMH, n.d. (Depression))

As the days become shorter in the fall, it seems appropriate that October 2022-23 will be a time to reflect on depression and other types of mental illness. The month of October includes and is recognized as ADHD Awareness Month, National Depression Screening Day, Mental Illness Awareness Week, World Mental Health Day, National Bipolar Awareness Day, and OCD Awareness Week around the world.

We advise our readers to visit one of the websites mentioned below to learn more about depression.

  • The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  • Mental Health America (MHA)

During Depression Awareness Month, individuals can contribute by distributing depression-related educational materials to their loved ones. You can post online content or discuss depression face-to-face.

It is essential to recognize that strong stigma frequently accompanies depression and depression therapy. By speaking about depression with your family and friends, your family members and dear ones may feel more at ease discussing the issue themselves. Also, if a family member or friend is suffering from depression, they may be more ready to seek treatment if the stigma around depression is reduced. (source: WHO, 2023 (Depression))

If you have not previously, educate yourself on the symptoms and signs of depression and the danger of suicide. If you suspect you may be suffering from depression, mental health facilities and doctor’s offices offer screening services.

The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that depression is treatable.

Since 1949, the month of May has been celebrated in the United States as Mental Health Awareness Month. It was developed by the organization Mental Health America (formerly referred to as the National Association for Mental Health) to educate the public and increase awareness about mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder, as well as to decrease the stigma associated with mental illness. (source: MedlinePlus, n.d. (Depression))

The purpose of Mental Health Month is to promote awareness about the trauma and social impact mental illness may have on the emotional, physical, and mental health of families, children, and the community as a whole.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and other entities inside the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have made significant progress over the past two decades in their efforts to raise awareness of the significance of mental health awareness, prevention, and treatment.

Some of the most effective initiatives aimed at encouraging mental health acceptance, prevention, support, and recovery include, but are not limited to:

The Affordable Care Act – About 30 million additional Americans now have health insurance because of this act. A projected 11 million of these people will have access to services for substance addiction and/or mental health problems. (source: APA, n.d. (Depression))

The Community Mental Health Services Block Grant – This grant provides financial support to states and territories for the implementation of state plans to provide thorough community-based mental health services and evidence-based methods to adults with severe mental illnesses and children with severe emotional disturbances.

The Mental Health Parity and Drug Addiction Equity Act of 2008 – This act removed the practice of unequal health care and increased access to much-needed substance use and mental health disorder treatment services by ensuring more fair insurance coverage.

The Garrett Lee Smith State/Tribal Suicide Prevention Program – This initiative promotes collaboration between public and private sector organizations in the creation, execution, and assessment of adolescent suicide prevention and early intervention strategies among youth-serving institutions, like educational institutions, schools, juvenile justice systems, substance addiction programs, mental health programs, primary care, foster care systems, and other organizations. (source: SAMHSA, n.d. (FindTreatment))

All through May and throughout the year, numerous groups opt to hold awareness events and campaigns. This includes National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, National Depression Screening Day, Mental Illness Awareness Week, Minority Mental Health Month, and many others.

National Depression Education and Awareness Month is commemorated annually in October. Based on the data from Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, over 14.8 million American adults suffer from Major Depressive Disorder. Due to this, suicide is the 3rd highest cause of death for young adults aged 15 to 24, and the numbers are rising.

Depression is extremely painful for both the individual suffering from it and their loved ones. Depression causes its victims to feel, among other things, hopeless, worried, worthless, and nervous. Even if everything in their lives appears to be “doing well,” persons with depression seldom see a light at the end of the tunnel. It is difficult for others to comprehend because, frequently, there is no clear reason for the individual’s depression.

This is why it is essential to initiate the dialog, despite initial discomfort. It will prevent deaths. (source: NICE, 2022 (Depression in adults))

Depression is extremely painful for both the individual suffering from it and for their loved ones. Those grappling with depression often battle feelings of hopelessness, worry, worthlessness, and anxiety. Even if everything in their lives appears to be “going well”, individuals with depression seldom see a light at the end of the tunnel. It is difficult for others to comprehend this because, frequently, there seems to be  no clear reason for the individual’s depression.

This is where Depression Mental Health Awareness plays a vital role in our society. It opens the door for dialog, even if it may initially feel uncomfortable. When individuals are better informed about these conditions, they are better able to offer support and assistance to those struggling with mental health issues. By addressing and understanding depression, we can help prevent tragic outcomes and offer much-needed support and compassion. 

Depression Awareness Month emphasizes the importance of seeking medical help for family and friends if you observe the following symptoms: depressed mood, weight/appetite change, loss of pleasure in all or most activities, change in activity and sleep, exhaustion, and loss of energy, lack of focus, feeling worthlessness or guilt, and suicidal ideation. If a person suffers from multiple of these symptoms for more than two weeks, they should seek medical attention immediately. Contact The Balance Clinic for more information on therapy and the support available to you and your loved ones.   (source: NIDA, n.d. (Co-occurring))

Reach out

One of the finest ways to celebrate this holiday is by reaching out to family, friends, and community members. A sympathetic ear, a reassuring embrace, empathy, and asking more questions without making judgments can go a long way toward bringing comfort to people.

Tell your story

Don’t be scared to open up about your personal experience with depression to those who are struggling. Depression is quite prevalent, and letting others know they are not alone may be incredibly reassuring. (source: NAMI, n.d. (Depression))

Empower yourself with education

One of the best things you can do to help yourself (and others) is to educate yourself on the symptoms and outcomes of depression. The greater your knowledge, the greater your ability to discern when someone might require your support and love.

Spread information on the detrimental effects of depression and u. Use the hashtag #DepressionAwareness for social media posts. 

FAQs

When Is Depression Awareness Month
October 2023 will be observed as a depression awareness month. The depression awareness day would be observed on Tuesday, 10 October 2023.
How Can Depression Awareness Campaigns Help Tackle Mental Health Epidemics?
Depression affects 322 million people worldwide, and over 15 million American adults suffer from depression annually. Furthermore, many incidences of depression go undetected. Each October, supporters of behavioral health engage in Depression Awareness Month to tackle the issue of depression.
 
People work throughout the month to inform others about the symptoms, signs, and effects of depression. Additionally, activists seek to inform depressed individuals that treatment and recovery are possible.

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