Depression and Anxiety Screenings Available for CU Students Oct. 6-8

October 2, 2009

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 www.colorado.edu/sacs/counseling. After hours crisis support is available by calling 303-492-6766.

Contact

Amy Robertson, 303-492-5554
Monica Ly, 303-735-4939
Greg Swenson, 303-492-3113

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