Depression affects people from all walks of life, but too often, it goes ignored and untreated. When not recognized immediately, clinical depression can take its toll on one’s personal and professional life.

Those who are experiencing regular feelings of sadness or despair can find out if they are clinically depressed by participating in free and anonymous depression screenings conducted by the University of Houston’s Psychology Research and Services Center (PRSC) on Thursday, Oct. 11. Screenings are conducted to spotlight National Depression Screening Day.

National Depression Screening Day is a community-based mental health program that provides screenings for the most common and frequently occurring mental disorders: depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

“Depression disorders are associated with so many negative outcomes including lost jobs, dysfunctional relationships, poor health and the risk of suicide,” said Jeremy Pettit, assistant professor of psychology. “The advantage of these screenings is that there are effective methods to treat depression if it is diagnosed.”

The screenings are open to the public and will be conducted by clinical psychology doctoral students and professional psychologists.

Each participant will complete a brief questionnaire and view a short video on depression. A trained staff member will then review the questionnaire privately with each person.

Individuals will not receive a diagnosis, but will be educated about whether they are exhibiting signs of depression. If follow up is necessary, PRSC staff will make referrals.

Screenings will occur at the PRSC, in the Clinical Research Services (CRS) Building at UH. Sessions are anonymous and available for people of all ages. Appointments are not necessary.

Parking will be available at Entrance 8 off of Cullen Boulevard at Wheeler Street. For more information about the screenings, call 713-743-8600.

WHAT:	National Depression Screening Day – Free Examinations
WHEN:	2 – 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 11
WHERE:	Psychological Research and Services Center University of Houston 4505 Cullen Blvd. – Entrance 8 Houston, TX 75204
WHO:	UH Department of Psychology

For more information about UH visit the university’s ‘Newsroom’ at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom.