Sponsored by the University Health and Psychological Services, the screenings will be held in Area E of the Student Health Center at 5044 N. Barton Ave. on campus. Screening activities include a depression screening questionnaire, an educational video about depression, individual meetings with mental health professionals, handouts and educational materials and refreshments. The Psychology Department s Honor Society, Psi Chi, will also provide information at tables by the Memorial Court fountain and the Madden Library to raise awareness on campus about the event. Depression is one of the most common and treatable psychological problems encountered by people of all ages, said Dr. Christine Edmondson, a clinical psychologist who is an assistant professor in Fresno State s Psychology Department.
Depression comes in many forms.
Sadness, the feeling that nothing will be fun, lack of energy, hopelessness and irritability are all symptoms of depression. Some people have all of these symptoms while others only have a few. She said because depression is associated with sleep and appetite problems, many people with depression think they are physically ill. Treatment for depression can involve medication, but does not have to, she said. Psychotherapy techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and counseling, are very effective for treating depression.