National Depression Screening Day is Oct. 5

Counseling and Psychological Services of the University Health Center and the Employee Assistance Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will offer education and screenings for a range of common emotional conditions in accordance with National Depression Screening Day Oct. 5.

The free, confidential screenings for UNL students, faculty and staff are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Nebraska Union, 1400 R St., and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Nebraska East Union on East Campus. All UNL students who complete the screening will be entered into a raffle for a 30-gigabyte iPod Video.

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 they forget 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 on National Depression Screening Day. At the screening, individuals can fill out a self-test and speak with a counselor about their personal situation. Individuals without a mood or anxiety disorder, but who are just going through a couple of bad days, are also invited to take advantage of the program and learn about what services are available on campus.

UNL Counseling and Psychological Services also offers year-round online screenings for UNL students in the areas of depression, manic depression, anxiety, eating disorders and alcohol use. Anyone who thinks they may have a problem in one of these areas but is not sure, can access the online screenings at www.unl.edu/health. Once the assessment is complete, an appointment can be scheduled with a counselor in to go over the results and develop a treatment plan.

For more information about National Depression Screening Day, call (402) 472-7450.

CONTACT: Dr. Robert Portnoy, University Health Center, (402) 472-7450