Article Contributed on: 10/4/2007 1:25:33 PM
If you or someone you know is feeling down and not bouncing back, it could be depression. Depression is more than just feeling "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days. It's feeling down and hopeless for weeks at a time. It affects millions of Americans and thousands of individuals across Colorado.
Local residents will have an opportunity to help themselves and others detect depression and obtain assistance. On Thursday, October 11th, Jefferson Center for Mental Health will offer free depression screenings at the following locations and times:
North Jeffco Senior Center
6842 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Clements Community Center
1580 Yarrow, Lakewood
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Seniors' Resource Center - Evergreen
The Yellow House
5120 Highway 73
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
For directions or more information, please call Carolyn Lawson at 303-432-5156.
National Depression Screening Day is an annual event held each October on the Thursday of Mental Illness Awareness Week. During this event, local clinicians in all 50 states volunteer their time to offer free educational and screening programs. In addition to obtaining a free depression screening, participants can find out where and how to access help, counseling and treatment. The program was started in 1991 by Screening for Mental Health, Inc. (SMH), a non-profit organization.
Background
What Should I Expect During a Screening?
Screenings are free and completely confidential. The screening is an opportunity to learn more about anxiety and mood disorders, complete a brief screening questionnaire, and speak one-on-one with a mental health professional. If appropriate, you may be referred for a complete evaluation. As part of the screening, you will have the opportunity to:
• Complete a written screening questionnaire,
• Discuss your results with a health professional,
• Receive a referral list of clinicians and treatment facilities in your area,
• Pick up some pamphlets and brochures, and
• Fill out a "friends and family questionnaire" for a loved one.
Symptoms of Depression
· Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
· Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
· Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
· Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
· Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
· Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
· Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
· Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
· Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
· Restlessness, irritability
· Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
Source: National Institute of Mental Health
Jefferson Center for Mental Health is the community mental health center serving Jefferson, Gilpin and Clear Creek Counties. The Center serves the people throughout its three-county area with 300 staff in 20 locations. It offers a variety of programs including: outpatient counseling, day treatment services, vocational services, and employee assistance programs. The Center provides mental health services and hope to people of all ages. It provides programs and services to foster recovery and resilience for individuals who have mental health problems, promoting a better quality of life and a healthy community. Its staff has expertise in numerous areas, including children and family issues, adults with serious mental illness, suicide prevention, early intervention, juvenile justice, and trauma treatment. For more information, visit www.jcmh.org.