News Release

Depression Screening Day October 21

October 3, 2008

Feeling stressed, anxious, angry, sad?

Every year, millions of Americans are affected by depression, anxiety, or related mental health issues. It is estimated that 18.8 million Americans age 18 and older have some sort of a depressive disorder.

And nearly half of all college students report feeling so depressed at some point in time that they have trouble functioning.

Penn State Harrisburg Counseling Services, in an effort to call attention to the illness of depression, is offering a free public Depression Screening Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 in the Gallery Lounge of the Olmsted Building.

The completely confidential screenings, conducted by the college’s professionals, are open to faculty, staff, and students. For more information, contact the Counseling Center at 948-6025.

Why Screen for Depression?

• Clinical depression can lead to suicide.
• Sometimes people with depression mistakenly believe that the symptoms of depression are a "normal part of life."
• Clinical depression affects men and women of all ages, races and socioeconomic groups.
• One in four women and one in 10 men will experience depression at some point during their lifetimes.
• Two-thirds of those suffering from the illness do not seek the necessary treatment.
• Depression can co-occur and complicate other medical conditions.
• More than 80 percent of all cases of clinical depression can be effectively treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both.
• Screenings are often the first step in getting help.