More than 17 million Americans each year develop some form of depression. To help individuals find if they are one of them, a free depression screening will be held Thursday, Oct. 5 at Sacramento State.

Anonymous screenings at the University’s Health Center will be offered at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. by professionals from CSUS Psychological Counseling Services.

Along with the written screening test, participants can learn more about depression through a video, an educational presentation and one-on-one consultation with a mental health professional. Those who appear to need further evaluation will be given referrals to local treatment services.

Though depression is one of the most treatable illnesses, fewer than half of those suffering from depression or manic depression receive treatment.

Common symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness, loss of pleasure in usual activities, feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness, changes in sleep and appetite, loss of energy, restlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide. Manic depression also includes feelings of euphoria or agitation.

More information is available by calling Psychological Counseling Services at 278-6416.