Recognize warning signs
Originally published 01:31 p.m., October 2, 2007
Updated 01:31 p.m., October 2, 2007
What would you do if someone told you that he or she did not want to live anymore? Suicide is the alternative chosen by nearly 30,000 people each year in the United States. If you are worried about someone you love and don’t know what to do to help, take advantage of this special public service to learn about the warning signs of suicide, how to get help, and obtain a free, professional depression screen.
Once again, the Flint Hills Community Health Center, Emporia State University and the Mental Health Center of East Central Kansas will be working together on Thursday, National Depression Screening Day, to offer free screenings for any resident of Lyon, Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties. Suicide prevention is the focus of this year’s event.
Free depression screens in both English and Spanish will be available without an appointment at the Emporia Public Library from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for your convenience. Snacks are being provided by WalMart and McDonald’s. No appointment is necessary — just come by when you can. It only takes a few minutes to complete the survey. Brochures on a variety of mental health topics will also be available.
Enduring the discomfort of depression is difficult. Whether your depression is caused by a traumatic life event, a loss, stress, another medical illness, genetics, a chemical imbalance, or some other reason, it can play an enormous role in the quality of your life. Learning to recognize the symptoms of depression and receiving help can bring the light of hope and happiness back into your life.
Symptoms of depression include:
• Persistent sad, anxious or empty mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities
• Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Restlessness or irritability
• Inability to sleep or oversleeping
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Thoughts of death or suicide
The good news is that depression need not be a debilitating illness anymore. Treatment is easily available and is very accessible. And it is as easy to find help for depression as it is to be treated for flu symptoms. You do not need to endure the pain of depression anymore!
So, if you believe you or someone you love may be struggling with depression, please take advantage of this opportunity. The screenings are free, confidential, and are a great way to find the assistance that will improve the quality of life for you or for a loved-one. No appointment is needed. Just stop by to see the friendly professionals who are volunteering their time to offer these free depression screens!!
• This article is provided by the Mental Health Center of East Central Kansas serving the citizens of Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties. For more information or to request a speaker for your organization, please contact Bev Cress at (620) 343-2211. Toll-free after-hours emergency (866) 330-3310.