Depression is one of the top reasons why students drop out of college, especially if they do so within their first year. And with depression affecting one in every 10 Americans, The University of Toledo Counseling Center is here to help.
The Counseling Center is participating in National Depression Screening Awareness Day Thursday, Oct. 11, by providing free depression screenings for students, faculty, staff and community members. The purpose of this day is to help people become aware of the symptoms of depression and the type of assistance offered to those affected by it.
“Most of us experience depression on some level at some point in our lives,” said Dr. Stanley Edwards, director of the Counseling Center. “Some people experience more chronic depression than others, and it can be hard for some people to tell whether they are experiencing the typical blues or something more serious.”
Laptops will be provided for the screenings from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Union Trimble Lounge. Students also can access the tests at any time by visiting the Counseling Center’s website, utoledo.edu/studentaffairs/counseling.
The screenings ask a variety of questions that focus on different areas of mental health. It is important to note that this screening does not replace a professional diagnosis; those who feel like they might have depression or another mental disorder should talk to their doctor or schedule a screening appointment at the Counseling Center. The online test is created to make people more aware of their symptoms if they have any.
For more information, contact the UT Counseling Center at 419.530.2426 or visit the center in Rocket Hall Room 1810.
