Retreat Healthcare And Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Sponsor National Depression Screening Day

September 27, 2004

Are you one of the millions of Americans who feel like they’re losing control over their own emotions? A recent Harvard Medical School study of developed and developing nations finds that the United States has the highest rate of mental health disorders such as depression – and that they all too frequently go undiagnosed.

For most people, figuring out the line between “I’ve been moody lately” or “I get tired easily,” “I can’t sleep” and “I have depression” is difficult. That’s why Retreat Healthcare and Brattleboro Memorial Hospital are offering free, anonymous mental health screenings on October 7th from 10am – 4pm as part of National Depression Screening Day. Screenings will be offered in the Gannett Building at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.

At National Depression Screening day, you’re invited to fill out a one page questionnaire assessing the likelihood that you may be suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. You may also pick up educational information and follow up privately with a mental health professional if necessary. The program is free for those who attend and is completely confidential.

“The stigma associated with depression and related disorders has decreased in recent years, but many people still aren’t able to recognize depression in themselves and others,” says Jilisa Snyder, Ph.D., Director of the Anna Marsh Clinic at Retreat Healthcare. “National Depression Screening Day is an easy first step for anyone who’s concerned about their own mental health or the mental health of someone close to them.”

Retreat Healthcare, founded in 1834, is a not-for-profit, regional specialty psychiatric hospital and addictions treatment center, providing a full range of diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitation services for individuals of all ages and their families. Nationally recognized for its premiere treatment in behavioral healthcare, Retreat Healthcare offers a high quality, individualized, comprehensive continuum of care including inpatient, partial hospitalization, residential and outpatient treatment. For more information on Retreat services, call 1-800-RETREAT.