The BYU Counseling and Psychological Services will be holding an event on Thursday, Oct.10, aimed toward helping students understand and recognize the symptoms of depression and learn where to seek help.
The event will go from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both in room 2590 of the Wilkinson Student Center and in the Cannon Center.
All are encouraged to attend to receive a free, confidential screening that consists of a few questions on a survey followed by a short discussion with a counselor.
“Students can get their questions answered and be referred for counseling or other resources,” said Barbara Morrell, Clinical Psychologist and Counselor for BYU. “It is also a good opportunity for students to get help for friends and roommates, as they can come together to be screened.”
Across the nation, college campuses and workplaces administer the same questionnaire to help Americans understand whether depression is a part of their lives or not.
“I am a firm believer that at some point, it’s a good idea for everyone to speak with a counselor,” said Tanner Carlock, chair of the Student Outreach Council for BYU Counseling and Psychological Services. “This is a good opportunity for students who are unsure if they have experienced depression to talk with a professional and see where they’re at.”
BYU has participated in National Depression Screening Day for the last 10 years with great success, said John Cox, psychologist and assistant clinical professor for BYU.
“Last year we screened over 500 people,” Cox said. “Most universities screen a lot less than that. We put in a lot of time and effort into this event each year. We have over 20 psychologists and psychology students who will be doing the screening as well as many student volunteers who will help with the event.”
Organizers try to make the atmosphere for the event fun and welcoming for all students. Each year, all kinds of students, including ones without any psychological issues, will come to be screened, Cox said.
“There is a little bit of nervousness involved with coming in to be screened, but just remember that you’re not the only one,” Carlock said. “There’s someone else just like you also dealing with the same things. It’s better to reach out and get help, and this is the perfect opportunity to do that.”
