Education, screenings offered on National Depression Screening Day Oct. 7

Counseling and Psychological Services at the University Health Center and the Employee Assistance Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are offering education and screenings for a range of common emotional conditions in accordance with National Depression Screening Day on Oct. 7.

The free, confidential screenings will be in the Nebraska Union, 1400 R St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Depression is more than just a bad day, the result of a bad grade or a little anxiety about the future. It is a treatable disorder that can leave a person feeling so bad that he or she forgets how it feels to feel good. Symptoms of clinical depression include:

* Persistent, sad, anxious or "empty" mood

* Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, helplessness and worthlessness

* Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, ranging from schoolwork to sex

* Sleeping too much or too little

* Changes in appetite

* Decreased energy, fatigue and feeling "slowed down"

* Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts

* Increased restlessness and irritability

* Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions

* Physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain that do not respond to medical treatment

Screenings for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder will be available at the Nebraska Union. At the screening, participants can fill out a self-test and talk with a counselor about their personal situations. Even those who don't have a mood or anxiety disorder but are just going through a couple of bad days are invited to take advantage of the program and learn about what services are available on campus.

Counselors will also be available to speak about the Signs of Suicide program, which can help individuals recognize the signs of suicide and what to do if they suspect someone is in danger of taking their own life.

"National Depression Screening Day is an opportunity for us to educate the University of Nebraska-Lincoln community about depression as well as its relation to suicide," said Robert Portnoy, director of Counseling and Psychological Services. "Our goal is to educate people about depression and suicide and how to intervene when they suspect a loved one may be at risk. Most people who commit suicide tell someone before they do it. If we can teach people who are close to depressed individuals how to recognize the signs and what to do, we can save lives."

Online screenings are also available for UNL students in the areas of depression, manic depression, anxiety, eating disorders and alcohol use at www.unl.edu/health/CAPS.html. Once the online assessment is complete, an appointment can be scheduled with a University Health Center professional to go over the results and develop a treatment plan.

For more information, call Counseling and Psychological Services at (402) 472-7450.

CONTACT: Robert Portnoy, Counseling & Psychological Services, University Health Center, (402) 472-7450