Screenings for depression offered for free

Monday, Oct. 7, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Charter Behavioral Health System of Nevada is offering free confidential depression screenings, in conjunction with National Depression Screening Day.

The screenings will be offered at Charter Hospital, 7000 W. Spring Mountain Road, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday. This week has been designated national Mental Illness Awareness Week.

"Mental illness does seem to be on the rise," said Dr. Rayna Rogers, a Las Vegas child adolescence psychologist. "More and more people from their teens to their 30s are being diagnosed with depression."

Rogers said depression can strike as early as 4 years old. It is four times more common in females. But with therapy and medication, recovery rates in adults can be as high as 75 percent, Rogers said.

Common depression warning signs:

* Lack of interest in family and friends.

* Sleeping too much, or staying in bed all day.

* Persistent insomnia.

* Inappropriate tearfulness or moodiness.

* Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.

* Inability to perform simple daily tasks.

* Loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities.

Rogers said the screenings will take 15 to 20 minutes to fill out a questionnaire and another 10 minutes to go over it.

"Depression is considered the No. 2 chronic illness in the country," Rogers said. "People who suspect that a relative or friend has depression should try to get them evaluated."