Free depression screenings offered around country
Free anonymous depression and manic-depression screenings are available on Thursday, which is National Depression Screening Day. Anyone, who is interested in participating in the free screenings, is asked to call 1-800-520-NDSD or visit www.mentalhealth.org
to find a site in his or her area.
Depression affects 17 to 20 million Americans each year.
Symptoms of depression include:
– Persistent sad, anxious or empty mood.
– Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.
– Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness.
– Loss of interest of pleasure in ordinary activities.
– Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue.
– Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
– Restlessness or irritability.
– Inability to sleep or oversleeping.
– Unexplained aches and pains.
– Thoughts of death or suicide.
Manic-depression, which is also known as bipolar disorder, is often missed, with delays in diagnosis of eight to 10 years.
Symptoms of mania are as follows:
– Extreme irritability and distractibility.
– Excessive “high” or euphoric feelings.
– Increased energy, activity and restlessness.
– Racing thoughts, rapid speech.
– Decreased need for sleep.
– Unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers.
– Increased sexual drive.
– Abuse of drugs or alcohol.
– Reckless behavior such as spending sprees, rash business decisions or erratic driving.
– In severe cases, hallucinations and loss of reason.
The worry associated with generalized anxiety disorder can shift from one concern to another. One minute it’s being late for an appointment, and the next minute it’s concern over a child’s health. The key is that the worry is disproportionate to the true nature of the concern.
Symptoms for generalized anxiety disorder include:
– Excessive worry about everyday things that interferes with daily functioning.
– Physical symptoms such as sweating, nausea and clammy hands.
– Associated with higher risk for suicide.
Post-traumatic stress disorder can occur at any age, and symptoms can occur even years after the trauma.
Symptoms for post-traumatic stress disorder are:
– Re-experiencing the event through intrusive thoughts or dreams.
– Avoiding conversations or situations that remind the sufferer of the event.
– A sense of detachment.
– Irritability, anxiousness or hypervigilance.
– Outbursts of anger.