The University of Colorado at Boulder will hold free depression screenings for students, faculty and staff Oct. 19-21.
The screenings, in which participants complete a five-minute questionnaire and review the results with a professional therapist from CU-Boulder's Counseling and Psychological Services, will be held in the University Memorial Center outside Baby Doe's from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 19, and Thursday, Oct. 21. Screenings also will be available in Darley Commons at Williams Village on Oct. 21 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
"Fifty percent of college students report being so depressed that it impairs their functioning at some point during the college experience," said Amy Robertson, a licensed clinical social worker at CU-Boulder's Counseling and Psychological Services. "These screenings are a great opportunity for campus community members to learn about the symptoms of depression, find out how to help a friend or family member who may be at risk, and talk with a health care professional about any questions or concerns."
In conjunction with the depression screenings, a film called "Depression on College Campuses" will be shown on Oct. 21 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in room 382 of the UMC. The film will be followed by a discussion with Robertson.
Next month, CU-Boulder will be the first in the state of Colorado to implement the Interactive Screening Program, developed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The program, which will be rolled out gradually by CU-Boulder's Counseling and Psychological Services through e-mailed invitations to groups with risk factors, is specifically designed for college students.
The Interactive Screening Program allows participants to anonymously screen for depression and suicide risk through an online form. On-campus mental health professionals receive the screening results and can respond to participants while maintaining anonymous communications.
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
For more information on CU-Boulder's Counseling and Psychological Services visit . After-hours crisis support is available by calling 303-492-6766.