UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 5, Page 11
September 28, 1995
Depression help available Oct. 5

     National Depression Screening Day will be held Thursday, Oct. 5,
and free, confidential screenings will be available throughout the
state of Delaware.
     At the screenings-to be offered at several sites-individuals will
complete a written questionnaire and discuss the results with a mental
health professional. Referrals and professional guidance will be given
where needed.
     For a list of free depression screening sites in Delaware, call
the University Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) at 831-2414.
     Clinical depression is more than sad feelings or a case of "the
blues," according to Darlene Sharp, FSAP counselor. It is a medical
illness that can cause changes in a person's mood, behavior and
feelings. If not treated, episodes of depression can last for up to a
year and will probably happen again during a person's lifetime, she
said.
     Depression interferes with a person's family life and employment,
and no amount of cheering up can make it go away. People experiencing
clinical depression need proper treatment, which may include
medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both, Sharp said.
     The symptoms doctors use to diagnose clinical depression are:
       * Feelings of sadness or irritability,
       * Loss of interest or pleasure in regular activities,
       * Change of weight or appetite,
       * Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness,
       * Fatigue or loss of energy,
       * Restlessness or decreased activity and
       * Thoughts of death or suicide.

     Individuals who experience several of these symptoms for two
weeks or more may be suffering from clinical depression.