Free, Anonymous Screenings for Clinical Depression During National Depression Screening Day Mean Treatment for Thousands

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- A five year study of the leading causes of death worldwide has just been released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank stating that by the year 2020, severe depression will be the worlds second largest killer. It was produced by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and WHO with 100 collaborators around the world, also found that depression accounts for a full 1O% of productive years lost throughout the world. "This monumental report should serve as a wake-up call to the health community about the importance of recognizing and treating clinical depression," said Colleen Reilly, Director of the National Mental Health Association's (NMHA) National Public Education Campaign on Clinical Depression. "Fortunately, depression can be successfully treated in more than 80 percent of those with the illness. The first steps are recognition and guidance to seek help -- and that's why National Depression Screening Day is so important." Clinical depression is a serious illness affecting more than 17 million Americans each year. Symptoms include feelings of sadness or anxiety, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, loss of interest in activities, inability to concentrate and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two. NMHA encourages anyone experiencing these symptoms, or concerned family members, to visit a local depression screening site during National Depression Screening Day, Thursday, October 10, 1996. Over 250,000 people have participated in these depression screenings in the past five years. This year alone, more than 100,000 people are expected at 2,500 sites nationwide. Screening participants hear an educational presentation, complete an anonymous written questionnaire, discuss the results with a mental health professional, and learn where to go for additional help if necessary. Those interested in finding the nearest screening location can call toll-free 1-888-976-1000.

SOURCE National Mental Health Association -0- 09/27/96 /CONTACT: Colleen Reilly, Director, National Public Education Campaign on Clinical Depression, National Mental Health Association, 703-838-7516/