National depression screening day focuses on mental health

WASILLA -- Behavioral Health Services of Mat-Su Inc. (Life Quest) was one of 7,500 sites involved with this year's national depression screening day.

More than 54 million Americans are affected by mental health disorders. National depression screening day, held on Thursday, is a national screening event that provides free, anonymous screening for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

"Screening day is designed to educate people about various types of depression and to provide a screening," said Life Quest CEO Maryalice Larson. "The thing to get across is that there is treatment."

Robert Brown, a member of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, was one of the volunteers to help community members go through the screening at Life Quest's screening desk.

"My personal goal is to do what I can to provide the best possible care to the community," Brown said.

Individuals that came to the desk filled out a self-test screening them for different types of depression, and a variety of literature on depression and its effects were available. Though not many people had participated during Brown's morning shift, he was upbeat about the afternoon bringing more people in.

"I understand there is a clan coming this afternoon," he said.

Signs and symptoms

of depression:

Persistent sadness, anxiety or empty mood

Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness

Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities

Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Restlessness or irritability

Inability to sleep or oversleep

Changes in appetite or weight

Unexplained aches and pains

Thoughts of death or suicide

If you missed national depression screening day and believe you may be depressed, call Life Quest at 376-2411 and request a free screening.