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For anyone and everyone interested in stress reduction activities,
there will be a variety of activities in the Kerr Lounge, including
mini art classes presented by the ASUC, free massages, relaxation
and mood management information, and free phone cards (as in:
Improve your mood…call a friend). As always, there also will
be a booth on Sproul Plaza with information and give-aways.
Depression Screenings
The free, walk-in screenings are open to campus and community.
Conducted by mental health professionals from University Health
Services and the Alameda County Psychological Association, the
screenings include a written self-test followed by an interview
with a counselor. Referrals for follow-up evaluation and treatment
are provided where necessary.
Some of the symptoms of depression can include persistent feelings
of hopelessness or worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, constant
fatigue, unexplained aches and pains, or thoughts of death and
suicide.
Depression is a factor in many suicides - about two thirds of
those who complete suicide have depressive disorders, according
to Susan Bell, PhD, a counselor at the Tang Center and one of
the organizers of the event. "Across the nation, 30,000 people
commit suicide each year, including 5,000 in the 15 to 24 age
group.
"The depression screening is an important part of our outreach,"
she says, "not only in identifying members of the campus
who may be suffering from depression, but also as part of the
campus's suicide prevention program."
The event is also about educating the campus and community about
depression, and how successfully people can be treated. Educational
materials will be available, as well as the opportunity to ask
questions and talk with mental health professionals.
Address Your Stress Festival
"We are committed to helping members of the campus and community
recognize the signs of depression and seek professional help,"
says Erica Browne, MPH, a health educator specializing in stress.
"But we wanted to broaden the base of mental health services
provided by the event, and felt many members of the campus could
benefit from learning about positive ways of dealing with negative
stress."
The event organizers have teamed up with the ASUC Art Studio
to provide introductory art classes -- as one example of a great
stress reducing resource readily available on campus. "We'll
also have lots of information about stress management, says Browne.
"And, we're offering free massages and free phone cards --
as a reminder that relaxation is a great stress reducer, as is
talking with a friend."
While nearly everyone experiences stress to some degree, some
people can become overwhelmed by stress, which, if not addressed,
can have negative effects on an individual's mental and/or physical
health, or even progress to depression. "We want students
and others to 'address their stress' before it becomes harmful,"
says Browne.
Event sponsors:
University Health Services
Alameda County Psychological Association
ASUC Art Studio
Student-to-Student Peer Counseling
For more information, call 642-7202.
Helpful links on the University Health Services
web site:
- Depression:
- Stress and Anxiety
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