In response to the current mental health crisis, which the National Institute of Mental Health estimates is affecting more than one in five Americans, Easterseals has collaborated with Mental Health America (MHA) to offer access to MHA’s free, online mental health screening tool to heighten awareness of mental health issues and deliver greater public access to screenings and referrals for treatment.
“Mental health is a deeply personal issue, and people who are struggling often find it difficult or are reluctant to find the help they need,” said Kendra Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals. “We recognize that Easterseals has a leadership role in addressing the nation’s mental health crisis and have intensified our focus by increasing the number of Americans who receive mental health treatment and support.”
Mental health conditions can be especially devastating to individuals who are marginalized due to race, income, disability, and other factors. A large percentage of disabled veterans, for example, struggle to maintain psychological well-being, according to a recent Easterseals’ Disabled Veterans Study done in collaboration with Voya Cares. According to the study, only 55% of veterans with disabilities were satisfied with their mental and emotional health, compared to 75% of nondisabled veterans.
Social isolation heightens the risk of depression, anxiety, and other health issues among people with disabilities, who are more likely to feel isolated and less likely to report receiving adequate social and emotional support.
We’re proud to collaborate with Mental Health America to bring this free and anonymous tool online through our national website so more people can access services and receive care. ––Kendra Davenport
The screening tool provides a free and anonymous online check-in to see if an individual’s feelings and behaviors match common symptoms of behavioral and substance abuse conditions. Available screenings include adolescent depression, alcohol use disorder, anger/stress management, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, gambling, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, psychosis, substance use disorder, and more.
Clinically validated, the screenings take 3-to-5 minutes and provide immediate feedback. Participants receive links to national resources, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and can also connect to an Easterseals call center to find services in their communities.
While this month’s rollout of the screening tool leverages Veterans Day and National Caregivers Month, it is available to all consumers nationwide.
