November 4, 2008
BY CHELSEA GRABER
Staff writer
The signs and symptoms of depression are not always easy to spot. A friend who cannot sleep through the night or who is impacted by the rainy days long after the sun begins to shine. A depression screening was held at McAtee Dining center on Oct. 9 by Roy Reynolds, student life councilor and the Mental Health Center at Strother Field.
Participants answered survey questions which were then accessed by mental health professionals. According to Director of Student Life, Kristi Shaw 156 students participated in the screening. She said that number is the largest for similar events on campus.
The screening was designed to pick up symptoms of depression and other sorts of mood disorder. Some symptoms of depression may be low energy, apathy, consistent drowsiness, easily distracted, and self-destructive thoughts. The major difference between being depressed and being “down” is that depression is an irrational emotion and sticks around for more than two weeks. Being upset is natural and eventually people rebound from it, but that is not the case with depression.
Many people have come to Reynolds to discuss their struggles. He said he comes across people on a weekly basis, who strike him as having possible mood disorders and he often advises them to seek treatment.
“We would see a lot of that (mood disorders or depressions) right around mid-terms,” said Reynolds. Reynolds’ schedule is displayed on his office door which is located in the Jungle. Students can sign up for an appointment. The door is always open, said Reynolds.
Pool Tournament, Game Room, 9 p.m.
Oct. 21
Oct. 30, 2008
Halloween Cosmic Costume Dance, Cowley Recreation Building, 9 p.m. to midnight.
Nov. 6, 2008
Open Mic Night, Brown’s, 7 p.m.
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