Mental health professionals will be on hand to offer free, anonymous depression screenings to local residents, students, staff and faculty. The event is free and local residents are urged to attend. People with depression often feel alone, and do not realize that depression affects more than 17 million Americans in any given year.
Depression is more than just a bad day or the result of a little anxiety.
Common symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness, loss of pleasure in usual activities, feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness, changes in sleep and appetite, loss of energy, restlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide. Unfortunately, fewer than half of those suffering from the disorders actually receive treatment. Depression, however, is one of the most treatable illnesses, and the vast majority of sufferers show improvement in as little as eight weeks. Those who appear to need further evaluation will be given referrals to local treatment centers. Call the URI Counseling Center at 874-2288 for more information.