Free anxiety and depression screening
The Psychological Services Center (PSC) will offer free anxiety and depression screening sessions for members of the local and campus community on Friday, May 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as part of National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week.
The service is particularly timely for members of the local community who may be experiencing anxiety or depression as a result of uncertain economic conditions, according to PSC director Christopher E. Overtree. The PSC has been a sponsoring site for three consecutive years, and it hopes to raise community awareness about anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. Members of the campus and local community can meet with a clinician to discuss symptoms of and treatments for anxiety and depression, as well as receive referrals for mental health services if needed. All individuals will be taken on a walk-in basis, and participants will have access to free parking. Each screening should take between 30 and 45 minutes.
Anxiety and depressive disorders are among the most common of all mental illnesses, afflicting more than 19 million Americans each year, and there have been documented increases in stress-related mental health conditions with the changing economic circumstances. Symptoms can be extremely impairing to those affected by them, and can also have a devastating impact on family members. Anxiety and depression can come in many forms and can also have psychological, medical and contextual causes.
Overtree said he is not surprised that interest in mental health treatment has increased in response to daily news reports about an economy in recession. “Life events on a personal, local or national level often produce mental health symptoms that might otherwise have been managed outside of treatment.” He adds that the PSC’s desire is “to provide a safe and confidential venue to discuss options for treatment and lifestyle change that can produce some relief.”
While the symptoms of depressive and anxiety disorders can be quite severe, considerable research has documented the effectiveness of treatment using psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Members of the community can benefit by learning more about symptoms they may be experiencing, as well as how they might be impacted by changes in lifestyle, personal stressors, or by treatment.
The Psychological Services Center is located in 123 Tobin Hall. Free parking is available.
For more information about the Psychological Services Center or National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week, call 545-0041.
More Information
Psychological Services Center website
May 3, 2009.
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