Do You Think You’re Depressed? National Depression Screening Day Can Help.

Students who are concerned about whether they may be experiencing depression can get a free depression screening on Thursday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Counseling Center, 441 Western Avenue, as part of National Depression Screening Day. No appointments are necessary.

In the meantime, we asked Alan Martell, assistant director of Counseling and Psychological Services at Saint Rose, to answer a few questions about the screening and about depression in general.

Why is the National Depression Screening Day an important event?
NDSD is important because it gives students an opportunity to come in voluntarily and meet with a counselor to determine if they would benefit from counseling for depression, anxiety or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

What does the screening involve? 
The screening takes approximately 5-10 minutes, followed by a counselor scaling the responses and then providing feedback to each individual student.

Can students access a depression screening anytime at the Counseling Center?
Students may request a depression screening at any time in the Counseling Center, not just on National Depression Screening Day.

Does it cost anything to be screened?
Screenings are always free at the Counseling Center!

What are some common signs of depression?
Sadness, tiredness, trouble focusing or concentrating, unhappiness, anger, irritability, frustration, loss of interest in pleasurable or fun activities, sleep issues (too much or too little), no energy, craving unhealthy foods, anxiety, isolation, thoughts of death or suicide are common signs associated with depression.

How does a student understand the difference between just going through a down period and depression? 
If symptoms last two weeks or more, occurring nearly every day, a student should consider getting screened for depression.  If a student ever feels suicidal, hopeless or helpless, they should contact the Counseling Center at 518-454-5200 or stop by for a screening Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 441 Western Avenue, Mandelbaum Hall.

If a student recognizes these symptoms in a friend or loved one, what is the best way to be supportive?
Friends can express support and concern for friends and loved ones by just asking if they’re okay.  For Saint Rose students, you can encourage friends to come to the Counseling Center and even offer to escort them here as additional support.  You can get more great tips and watch some helpful one minute videos by going to https://seizetheawkward.org/.

If a student discovers they have depression, what are the options?
Students who are screened and who would benefit from counseling may make an intake session and schedule regular visits with a counselor at the center.  For some students, if medication may be beneficial, referrals are made to off-campus providers based on the students insurance to be used in conjunction with ongoing therapy.