Naperville Sun HealthAware column:
Free depression screenings at Linden Oaks
October 1, 2012
It can strain relationships, hurt your performance at work or school, and make you not want to get out of bed in the morning, yet depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated.
Major depression strikes between 20 and 25 percent of adults at some point in their lives, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The number would be even greater if we also look at other depressive disorders, such as postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder and dysthymia, a disorder similar to major depression but with less severe symptoms. Children and teens can also suffer from depression. It’s even more infrequently diagnosed and treated in kids.
Symptoms of major depression may include:
--Change in mood, such as sadness and anxiety, more days than not, for at least two weeks
--Irritability
--Changes in appetite
--Insomnia or excessive sleeping
--Lack of energy and motivation
--Lowered interest in formerly enjoyed activities
--Poor concentration and difficulty in making decisions
--Self-injuring (most commonly in adolescents)
--Thoughts of suicide
--Unexplainable aches and pains
--Feelings of worthlessness
A family history of depression or other mental illness is a risk factor for depression, as is a major loss, or a background of trauma or abuse.
“For teens, depression also might be triggered by social anxiety, being bullied, uncertainty about their sexual identity, or poor academic performance because of a learning disability or ADHD,” says Dr. Janice Kowalski, director of adolescent services, Linden Oaks at Edward.
The first step in ending needless suffering from mood disorders is identifying them as early as possible.
“Often others see the depression in us before we see it,” says Dr. Michael Martin, medical director of Linden Oaks’ Plainfield Outpatient Program. “The screening process raises awareness and reminds us that depression is treatable.”
The hospital will offer free screenings during Depression Awareness and Screening Week, Oct. 8-12.
“Parents should trust their gut feelings if they suspect their child is clinically depressed,” Dr. Kowalski adds. “A screening can’t hurt. It can confirm when further evaluation is indicated. Many depressed kids benefit from therapy and sometimes medications as well.”
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Linden Oaks at Edward is offering free depression screenings for adults and adolescents at two locations in Naperville the week of Oct. 8, Depression Awareness and Screening Week. No appointments are necessary.
Tuesday, Oct. 9: Adolescent depression screenings from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Linden Oaks Outpatient Center, 1335 N. Mill St. Dr. Janice Kowalski will speak about adolescent depression from 6:30 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 10: Adult and adolescent depression screenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at Linden Oaks on the campus of Edward Hospital, 801 S. Washington St.
Thursday, Oct. 11: Adult depression screenings from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Linden Oaks Outpatient Center, 1335 N. Mill St. Dr. Michael Martin will speak about adult depression from 6:30 to 7 p.m.
For more information, call 630-527-6363.
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