Monday Conversation is a question-and-answer interview with a local person. This week’s interview is with Bev Cress, executive assistant at the Mental Health Center of East Central Kansas. She talks about a free depression-screening clinic on Thursday.
What are some symptoms that a person might be depressed?
Symptoms might include persistently anxious or empty mood, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, loss of interest, decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, inability to sleep, changes in appetite or weight, and thoughts of death or suicide — just to name a few. People can look online at www.mentalhealthscreening.org for more information.
What happens during the screenings and how long will it take?
People come to any of the sites and fill out some paperwork, which is a screening device. Once that is filled out they will have a private consultation with a mental health professional. And if the professional decides there is significant reason for a referral they will provide a list of places where a person can go to get help. The amount of time depends on the individual, but I would say an hour to an hour and a half.
What types of depression are you screening for?
We will be screening for major depression, dysthymia, bipolar depression and seasonal affective disorder.
If people are depressed what are some recommendations you offer people?
There are lots of treatment options but since I am not a therapist I am not qualified to give advice. But if people are treated for depression they recover three times more rapidly than people that don’t receive treatment.
Where will the screenings take place and how much does it cost?
It is all free. The screenings will take place Thursday, Oct. 5 and the screening sites are the Emporia Public Library from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the Maynard Early Childhood Center where screenings will be offered in Spanish. People in Emporia can even get free transportation to the screening sites by calling L-Cat at 342-2047, 24 hours ahead of time and schedule a pick up time.
If people need to get therapy what are the costs?
The Mental Health Center has a sliding scale according to people’s ability to pay. We also accept insurance and most insurance covers treatments.
What do you tell people if they are embarrassed to come?
When people are sick with a cold of flu they don’t hesitate to go see a qualified health professional to make themselves feel well. Depression is a disease and some depression is chemically caused so they can be treated using therapy and medications. So people shouldn’t be anymore afraid to find out that they are depressed or get treatment for depression then they would be to get treatment for the cold or flu.
F If you would like more information, call the mental health center at 343-2211.