Counseling services raises awareness about depression
Dianne Macasu, Transcript Correspondent
Issue date: 11/19/09 Section: News
Eleven students were screened as part of the annual Depression Screening Day sponsored by the Counseling Services Thursday, Nov. 3.
Each student had the opportunity to take a brief self test, which includes depression and manic depression screening forms and a suicide risk questionnaire.
After that, they were asked to watch a 20-minute video presentation about depression. The last part consisted of a five- to 10-minute confidential interview with a mental health professional to discuss the results of the tests.
Colleen Cook, assistant dean of Student Life and Coordinator of Counseling, Career and Student Health Services, said the event had a good turnout.
She said the depression screening day allowed the counselors the chance to speak with students who had questions about depression and other mental health related concerns.
"A number of students were screened, and many of the students who were screened were encouraged to be seen for additional treatment," Cook said.
There was an information table set up for check-in area in the Hamilton-William Campus Center Atrium from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Formal screenings were conducted in the Benes Rooms. Students were also informed about campus and community resources and given brochures and flyers about depression, manic- depression, suicide and other related concerns.
Cook said the goals of the event were met.
"It includes raising awareness about depression and mental health concerns," she said. "Also, the other goal is by allowing students who might not normally seek our services to have to meet our staff."
According to the Mental Health America of Franklin County fact sheet, depression is characterized by a feeling of sadness for more than a few weeks and by having difficulty functioning in daily life. Manic depression, also called bipolar disorder, is characterized by episodes of major depression and episodes of mania, with mood swings followed by periods of generally level behavior.
Each student had the opportunity to take a brief self test, which includes depression and manic depression screening forms and a suicide risk questionnaire.
After that, they were asked to watch a 20-minute video presentation about depression. The last part consisted of a five- to 10-minute confidential interview with a mental health professional to discuss the results of the tests.
Colleen Cook, assistant dean of Student Life and Coordinator of Counseling, Career and Student Health Services, said the event had a good turnout.
She said the depression screening day allowed the counselors the chance to speak with students who had questions about depression and other mental health related concerns.
"A number of students were screened, and many of the students who were screened were encouraged to be seen for additional treatment," Cook said.
There was an information table set up for check-in area in the Hamilton-William Campus Center Atrium from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Formal screenings were conducted in the Benes Rooms. Students were also informed about campus and community resources and given brochures and flyers about depression, manic- depression, suicide and other related concerns.
Cook said the goals of the event were met.
"It includes raising awareness about depression and mental health concerns," she said. "Also, the other goal is by allowing students who might not normally seek our services to have to meet our staff."
According to the Mental Health America of Franklin County fact sheet, depression is characterized by a feeling of sadness for more than a few weeks and by having difficulty functioning in daily life. Manic depression, also called bipolar disorder, is characterized by episodes of major depression and episodes of mania, with mood swings followed by periods of generally level behavior.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
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posted 11/26/09 @ 7:45 PM EST
It is a very informative article.
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posted 11/29/09 @ 6:24 AM EST
I think that nowadays all the people should take test on depression and manic depression screening forms and a suicide risk questionnaire in order to prevent such problems. (Continued…)
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