Oct 1, 2002 3 min read

The past 12 months have been filled with tragedy and loss – Sept. 11, the crumbling economy, bio-terrorism, corruption in corporate America, church scandals and a string of child kidnappings – leaving many Americans overwhelmed with feelings of helplessness, sadness, anger and fear. To help those who have been affected by these events, free mental health screenings will be held at nearly 2,000 sites across the country on National Depression Screening Day on Thursday, Oct. 10.

Those attending will have the opportunity to hear an educational presentation on mood and anxiety disorders, complete a written self-assessment and talk one-on-one with a mental health professional. Those who appear to need further evaluation will be given referrals to local treatment services.

Individuals can locate a nearby screening site by calling 1-800-520-NDSD (6373) or checking online at www.mentalhealthscreening.org.

In addition to screening for depression and manic-depression, NDSD will be offering screenings for anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Since last year’s traumatic events, researchers have found elevated symptoms of PTSD in New York City metropolitan area, according to a study release in the August 2002 “Journal of the American Medical Association” (JAMA).

The study found that even those who witnessed the attacks on television suffered from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. This year’s commemorative coverage of the terrorist attacks stirred many emotions and may even re-awaken symptoms of depression, anxiety of PTSD. By attending a free screening, individuals can find out – in a few minutes – whether or not a professional consultation would be helpful.

“The events of the past year have affected us all. It is understandable, and even normal for people to feel sad, angry, tense, or irritable; to have difficulty sleeping or nightmares, but these symptoms should resolve over time. If these symptoms persist or interfere with the person’s ability to function normally, professional help should be sought,” said Douglas G. Jacobs, M.D., executive director of National Depression Screening Day and Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

Questions you might be asked at the screening event include:

– Have you lost pleasure in things you used to enjoy?

– Do you have trouble sleeping or eating?

– Does your mood fluctuate between overly “high” to sad and hopeless?

– Are you keyed up and anxious all the time?

– Are you having nightmares about something that happened in the past?

– How long have you been feeling this way?

Last year, more than 90,000 people attended National Depression Screening Day, which is offered through the non-profit Screening for Mental Health (SMH).

Anyone, who is interested in attending a free screening or finding a nearby site, can call 1-800-520-NDSD (6373). For the most up-to-date list of screening sites, go to www.mentalhealthscreening.org

and click on the site locator link.