National Depression Screening Day Oct. 9

DANBURY –– Everyone experiences the blues now and then. However, persons who are feeling persistently sad or anxious, worthless or helpless, been alternating between highs and lows, have been troubled by unexplained aches and pains, continually fatigued, unable to eat, sleep, relax, concentrate or make decisions, may be suffering from a mental health disorder.

On Thursday, October 9, during National Depression Screening Day, the Danbury Hospital Community Center for Behavioral Health (CCBH) and Center for Child and Adolescent Treatment Services (CCATS) will offer free, confidential mental health screenings for adults and teens, from 8 to 9 am, and again from 6 to 7 pm.

The screenings will be conducted at CCBH, 152 West Street, and includes educational materials regarding depression, past-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder.

Participants will have an opportunity to talk privately to a behavioral health care professional, and for the first time this year, information also will be provided on how to manage stress and recognize the physical symptoms that often go hand-in-hand with behavioral health disorders.

“Depression can interfere with our functioning, confidence, and relationships with others, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, the results are excellent,” said David A. Sperling, medical director of Danbury Hospital Outpatient Psychiatry.

Screening participants also will view a video on depression and anxiety disorders and will take a brief self-test. Attendees who appear to need further evaluation will be provided with referral information to local treatment services.

“Over the past ten years we have made great strides in reducing the stigma attached to illnesses of the mind and body. Programs like National Depression Screening Day educate people about depressive and anxiety disorders and allow people to seek help in nonthreatening ways,” said Dennise Murray Boyle, program director, Ambulatory Behavioral Health Services.

For more information about the National Depression Screening Day for adults and teens, call Ginny Cameron at the Danbury Hospital Community Center for Behavioral Health at 791-5181.