by Nella Letizia

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 17 million Americans develop depression each year, with recent research indicating the number may be closer to 20 million. Less than half of those suffering from depression actually receive treatment. Yet depression is one of the most treatable of illnesses, with the vast majority of sufferers showing improvement in as little as eight weeks.

Education is key; most people with depression do not seek professional help because they don’t know the symptoms. And that’s where National Depression Screening Day, set this year for Thursday (Oct. 5), comes in.

Held each year during Mental Illness Awareness Week, NDSD calls attention to depression and manic depression nationally. The day educates the public about symptoms and effective treatments, offers individuals the opportunity to be screened for the disorders, and connects those in need of treatment to the mental health care system.

All screenings are free and anonymous. Participants can complete an optional, written screening questionnaire and listen to a short educational presentation given by a mental health professional. If they complete the screening questionnaire, they are called for a short interview with a mental health professional to discuss the questionnaire and symptoms. A referral list to treatment centers in the area also may be provided after the interview.

The nearest registered screening site on the Palouse is at the University of Idaho Student Counseling Center, University Classroom Center Room 309, 885-6716. An information booth also will be set up in the new UI Commons Building, next to the UCC. Screenings take place from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Dovetailing the national education effort is a WSU workshop, "Prevention and Minimization of Depression," offered by John Ramirez, a psychologist with Counseling Services. The workshop is planned for 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday in Lighty 280G.

The WSU workshop, the first to revolve around NDSD, is open to faculty, staff and students. Another workshop is planned in the spring to be held in conjunction with National Anxiety Screening Day in May.

"This workshop is timely, since people may be more aware of depression because of the screening day," Ramirez said.

Topics will cover assessment, elements and symptoms of depression and suggestions to minimize depressive symptoms and/or prevent relapse in the future. Ramirez explained that targets will be behaviors and the ways people think and relate to one another.

"The workshop will also build on strengths and competencies that people bring to bear in coping and managing other life events," he added.

Some ways to prevent depression may include self-monitoring to recognize themes or triggers that contribute to feeling depressed, Ramirez said. Engaging in satisfying and pleasurable activities also can help. To minimize feelings of depression, the psychologist recommended acknowledging the experience by talking with family, friends and counselors and understanding that external stresses also may play a role.

"Other parts of people’s lives may be going well," he said. "It’s helpful to recognize that what one is feeling may also reflect on aspects outside the person, is situational and is variable over time."

Practice opportunities will be offered in the workshop. For more information or to participate, call Ramirez at Counseling Services, 335-4511.