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How Does Depression Differ From Occasional Sadness? 

October 9 is National Depression Screening Day
(October, 2014)

Everyone experiences sadness from time to time, but depression is more than occasional sadness. October 9 is National Depression Screening Day (NDSD), an annual event to raise awareness of the disease and offer screenings for related mood and anxiety disorders. 

Dr. Diane Marti, the PEC coordinator for the Nebraska Psychological Association, stated that awareness of the symptoms of depression and knowing where to go for help are two key components to addressing this mental health condition. Resources in Nebraska can be found below. Dr. Marti can be reached at dcmarti@wbplincoln.org for any further questions .

In addition, there will be many free anonymous screenings available. In Lincoln, Blue Valley Behavioral Health will offer free and confidential depression screenings as part of National Depression Screening Day. Interested individuals can go to Blue Valley Behavioral Health’s website at bvbh.net, click on the Screening Options/Online Screening tab and complete the depression screening. Other behavioral health screenings -- anxiety, substance abuse, etc. -- are also available. Once completed, users will have immediate access to results and helpful information. Anyone who takes the depression screening can print their results and have them briefly reviewed by a licensed professional counselor on Thursday. In Lincoln, Blue Valley Behavioral Health is located at 3901 Normal Blvd. For more information, call 402-261-4017. 

Also, a free anonymous screening for common emotional conditions will be provided by Counseling and Psychological Services in accordance with National Depression Screening Day Oct. 9, 2014. The event will be from 10 to 4 p.m. in the Nebraska Union, noon to 4 p.m. in the Gaughan Multicultural Center and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Campus Rec. Visit http://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/unltoday/article/screening-provides-mental-wellness-checkup-oct-9/ for more information.

Depression, if untreated, can have harmful effects on the mind and body. It can cause disruptions to daily life and research shows that it may be linked to various chronic illnesses. 

Symptoms of depression can include lack of interest and pleasure in daily activities, significant weight loss or gain, difficult or excessive sleeping, lack of energy, problems concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt and possibly recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. With proper acknowledgment and care from family, friends and mental health providers, depression is highly treatable.

Contrary to popular belief, people with depression cannot simply “snap out of it” and feel better right away. Unexpressed feelings and concerns accompanied by a sense of isolation can seem untreatable, but even severe cases can be effectively treated. The public is encouraged to participate in screening events or take an anonymous depression screening online at www.HelpYourselfHelpOthers.org. There are screening programs geared specifically toward military personnel and their families, college students, employees and the general public.

The above  "Friends Helping Friends" video can also be viewed at: http://ow.ly/ARyTv
 
Nebraska Resources: 
Blue Valley Behavioral Health –  bvbh.net
Find an NPA Member Psychologist: Click Here

For more information on stress and mind/body health, visit www.apa.org/helpcenter and follow@APAHelpCenter on Twitter. To find out more about NPA visit www.nebpsych.org and follow us on Twitter at @NEPsychAssoc.

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The Nebraska Psychological Association is the only statewide organization dedicated solely to represent the interests of psychologists and psychology across Nebraska. NPA membership includes 40% of the licensed psychologists in Nebraska, and is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association. NPA promotes the independent practice of clinical and consulting psychology; the highest standards of ethical & effective practice; the dissemination of evidenced based practices; the application of psychological resources to address social problems; and the education of government entities, elected representatives and the public on the practice and science of psychology. NPA holds scientific and professional meetings, conducts continuing education programs, and advocates on behalf of psychology in the Nebraska Legislature. NPA’s Central Office is located in Lincoln, NE.
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