AN UPLIFTING THOUGHT: COUNTY OFFERS FREE DEPRESSION SCREENINGS THIS WEEK

County Offers No Cost Depression Screenings, Referrals and Resources

October 2, 2010 (San Diego)--The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), in partnership with the Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP), is hosting a series of no cost depression screenings for adults during San Diego Depression Screening Week October 4-9.

Trained mental health volunteers will host display booths and administer depression screening tools to adults 18 years and older at 23 sites around the county. At many sites, experienced mental health clinicians will be available to meet with individuals needing immediate intervention or referrals for ongoing help.

One in four adults and one in five children in San Diego County suffer from a mental disorder or difficulty in any given year, and depression is one of the most common. Depression screenings should be a routine part of healthcare, similar to routine checkups for heart disease or diabetes. This can provide a quick and easy way to spot the first signs of what could become a mental illness. Screenings may consist of education on depression, completion of a written screening test, a discussion of the results with a mental health professional and, if necessary, a referral for additional help.

HHSA and CHIP are hosting this weeklong series of screenings in all regions of the county from October 4-9. For a complete listing of screening sites or additional mental health resources, please call the County’s 24-hour, multilingual Access and Crisis Line at (800) 479-3339.