The MSU Counseling Center is offering free and anonymous screening at eight different locations on campus today as part of National Depression Screening Day.
Depression is the second most common diagnosis students at the counseling center receive, said Talitha Easterly, staff psychologist and coordinator for outreach.
“Across college campuses, it’s one of the top three concerns,” Easterly said.
Recent results from MSU’s 2010 National College Health Assessment also indicated that depression is a significant issue on campus, said Dennis Martell, coordinator for health education services.
Of the results, about 27 percent of students said at least once in the last 12 months, they felt so depressed that it was difficult to function. About 8 percent also indicated that depression has had an impact on their academics, Martell said.
Supply chain management sophomore Keith Streidl said he knows someone who has been diagnosed with depression.
“It’s been proven to be an issue time and time again, with college students especially,” Streidl said. “It’s nothing you can underplay. It’s definitely there.”
Although 18 million to 19 million Americans suffer from depression, it is treatable if detected early, said Kathryn Quirk, marketing and communications manager for Screening for Mental Health.
The organization is a non-profit that developed National Depression Screening Day about 20 years ago.
Quirk said many people think they need to experience physical pain, such as a broken leg or backache, to visit the doctor, but a lot of pain also can be related to emotions.
“It’s so important for college students that may be away from home for the first time and are making new friends and new relationships that they tell someone what they’re feeling,” Quirk said.
Although depression affects each individual differently, most people find themselves losing pleasure in everyday activities, Quirk said.
Some people have trouble getting out of bed, while others are prone to alcohol and drug abuse.
Many college students feel more comfortable speaking to a friend, roommate or significant other about their problems than of visiting a mental health professional, Quirk said.
“Getting a mental health checkup is a great protective measure against some of those feelings and just to check in with yourself,” she said.
Easterly added that symptoms of depression can include a lack of motivation, loss of appetite and feelings of general hopelessness.
Easterly said stress can lead to symptoms of depression if it goes unmanaged for a long period of time.
Quirk said although depression does not always lead to suicide, most people who commit suicide tend to have symptoms of depression.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students, Quirk said.
The MSU Counseling Center decided to make the event a campuswide effort as part of its goal to build a counseling center “without walls,” Easterly said.
“We do see a number of students, but a lot of people may never come to the center,” Easterly said. “It’s a way to catch students in their day-to-day lives.”
The MSU Counseling Center will have screenings available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Union, Main Library, IM Sports-West, Bessey Hall and International Center.
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The center also will have locations at Hubbard Hall, Brody Square and The Gallery in Snyder and Phillips halls from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Free online screening also is available at www.mentalhealthscreening.org/screening.
