The Counseling Center at GSU hosted a screening depression day last Thursday in observance of Mental Health Month.”The test is a generic online screening that is taken online, which tells the participant if they are depressed or experiencing some signs of depression,” said counselor Miranda Warren.
Warren said that depression is part of mental illness and many people suffer from depression due to work, school and/or family issues.
The disease is prevalent among college students, as they embark on a new phase of their life and, more so, being away from close friends and family they grew up with or are accustomed to.
“We are just basically promoting the awareness of it (depression), and once students show a sign of depression, we attach students to a counselor for assistance, if they so desire,” Warren said.
Test results were printed immediately, and students were given a copy for their perusal.
Negative results stated, “Your screening results are not consistent with symptoms of depression. However, if you are still concerned and think you may need help, see a mental health professional or a clinical for a complete evaluation.”
More than 20 people participated in the screening exercise, and Warren believes that the participation level was satisfactory.
“I think for what we are dealing with we had good participation.”
The counselor said mental diseases do exist, and there are people, like the counselors at the center, who are there to help them. Only a few people were recommended for further evaluation and counseling.
The center offers free services to all students; however, Warren said some people are reluctant to come forward for assistance because of stigmas concerning mental disorders, like depression.
She said that most prefer to keep their condition on the down low.
A number of outreach programs have been planned for the upcoming weeks, in an effort to take the message to the masses.
“We want them to know that we are here for them and their information is safe with us,” Warren said.
“Our job is to keep them safe, make them feel welcome and assist where we can as they matriculate successfully through college,” she said.