PATERSON — The Mental Health Association in Passaic County will offer a free, confidential depression screening at the Passaic County Administration Building, 401 Grand Ave., Paterson, first floor on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The free, confidential screening will be conducted by mental health professionals who will provide individual consultations, help identify symptoms of depression and make referrals to appropriate levels of treatment.
This holiday season, residents of Passaic County can help heal the “holiday blues” by taking the anonymous questionnaire. The goal of Mental Health Association in providing a free depression screening is to help individuals identify mental health illnesses early on and to help them get treatment. More than 19 million Americans suffer from depression, and only less than half of those suffering from depression seek treatment.
This outreach effort is intended to educate Passaic County residents about the symptoms of mood disorders and appropriate courses of action to take in order to obtain treatment. It is the hope of the Mental Health Association that individuals will take advantage of this opportunity to receive a free screening and learn more about the symptoms and treatment options for mood disorders.
Depression is a common yet serious medical condition, some of the symptoms include a persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood; loss of interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed; changes in sleep patterns or weight; restlessness or irritability; difficulty concentrating; fatigue or loss of energy; and recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
According to the Screening for Mental Health Organization, one in four women and one in 10 men will experience depression at some point during their lifetimes. Two-thirds of those suffering from depression do not seek the necessary treatment. More than 80 percent of all cases of clinical depression can be effectively treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both. Screenings are often the first step in getting help.
Visit www.mentalhealthscreening.org/screening/MHAPASSAIC or call 973-478-4444 for more information.
About the Mental Health Association
Each day, the Mental Health Association in Passaic County (MHAPC) assists many families and individuals conquer the challenges of mental illness. For the last two decades, the MHAPC has been helping people change their lives by providing high quality, free services to help our community in need, restore order, wellness, and confidence to their lives. MHAPC is dedicated to increasing public awareness and understanding of mental health issues and enhancing mental health services in Passaic County. MHAPC acts to ensure that every person in Passaic County with a mental illness receives prompt and appropriate treatment in the most therapeutic, least restrictive setting closest to home.