This is Mental Illness Awareness Week

This is National Mental Illness Awareness Week.

Mayo Clinic Health System psychologist at Winneshiek Medical Center Ronald Hougen, Ph.D., says mental illness can strike anyone at any time. "Fortunately, recovery is possible," note Hougen, "Therapy and treatment do work."

Hougen says we should emphasize early screening and diagnosis.  Mayo Clinic offers a free and convenient online depression self-assessment tool at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/MH00103_D  The tool asks a few questions to see whether you have symptoms of depression. The assessment can't give you a diagnosis of depression, but it can help evaluate your mood so you can seek an appointment for treatment.