More than one person in every 10 is touched by clinical depression. Fortunately, there are many ways to learn and treat the illness, including participation in the Beyond the Blues, a Depression Anxiety Screening and Education Day in Powell River, Monday, October 3.
Depression can be indicated if a person has not been feeling quite themselves; feeling sad, empty and hopeless and not knowing how to shake the feelings off; changes in sleep or diet; or decreased energy and difficulty concentrating and finding pleasure in activities that were at one point very enjoyable.
The screenings present an opportunity to learn more about the many forms of depression, complete a brief questionnaire and speak one-on-one with a counsellor. If the results suggest that follow-up is required, participants will be referred to their family doctors or other mental health professionals. Screening sites also have information on anxiety disorders, substance use problems, seniors’ issues and postpartum depression. There is a range of community resources available.
The education and screening events are for people concerned about their own mental health and that of their loved ones. The screenings are free and will take place from 10 am to noon at Powell River Community Resource Centre, 4756 Joyce Avenue, and from 1 to 3 pm at Career Link, #103, 4511 Marine Avenue. Both sites will also have information from British Columbia Schizophrenia Society and Powell River Mental Health and Addictions Services.
Beyond the Blues is an annual day coordinated by the British Columbia Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association on behalf of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information. For those unable to attend the screenings in person, online self-tests are available online and more information is available through calling the BC Mental Health Information Line at 1.800.661.2121.
