The University of Colorado at Boulder's Counseling and Psychological Services office will hold depression and anxiety screenings for CU students, staff and faculty Oct. 6-8 as a part of National Depression Screening Day.
The screenings will be held in the University Memorial Center outside Baby Doe's from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Counseling and Psychological Services also will offer screenings in Darley Commons at Williams Village on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.; at Kittredge Commons on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.; and in the Student Outreach Retention Center for Equity office in UMC room 227F on Oct. 7 from noon to 1 p.m.
"Fifty percent of college students report being so depressed that it impaired their functioning at some point in the college experience," said Amy Robertson, a licensed clinical social worker with CU-Boulder's Counseling and Psychological Services.
Anyone in the university community is welcome to take the five-minute screening questionnaire followed by a meeting with a mental health professional who can evaluate the results and recommend the next steps. If someone shows signs for depression or anxiety, referrals are given for a follow-up appointment.
Symptoms of depression include:
-- Persistent sad, anxious or empty mood
-- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
-- Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities
-- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
-- Restlessness or irritability
-- Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
-- Changes in appetite or weight
-- Unexplained aches and pains
"Take advantage of the screenings by learning about the symptoms of depression, finding out how you can help a friend or family member who may be at risk, or talking with a health care professional with any questions you may have," Robertson said.
Counseling and Psychological Services also offers online mental health screenings at . After hours crisis support is available by calling 303-492-6766.