CONTACT: Clara Mae Marcotte

512-593-4143

TAMUK OFFERS FREE DEPRESSION SCREENING

KINGSVILLE (September 8, 1998) -- Depression and manic-depression strike more than 17 million Americans each year, according to figures from the National Institute of Mental Health. Although treatment can help 80-90 percent of those affected, fewer than half of them seek help.

Texas A&M University-Kingsville Center of Life Services and Wellness professionals will offer Texas A&M-Kingsville staff, students and Kingsville residents the opportunity to learn about the signs and symptoms of depression/manic-depression and to participate in a free screening as part of National Depression Screening Day, Thursday, Oct. 8. The screening will be held at two sites -- the Student Union Building lobby from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the Health Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Individuals who participate in the screening will anonymously complete a written screening test for depression and have the opportunity to discuss the results with a mental health professional.

National Depression screening day is a nationwide effort to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of depression/manic-depression and to encourage those who may be suffering to seek evaluation and treatment, said Dr. Douglas Jacobs, National Depression Screening Day project director.

Common symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, restlessness and irritability, changes in sleep and appetite, loss of energy and thoughts of death or

suicide. Manic-depression includes feelings of euphoria or agitation.

For more information, call Connie Rosas-Najeras, coordinator of health care and wellness, at 512-593-3391.

-TAMUK-