South Offering Free Online Depression Screenings

---

Posted on October 7, 2016

Lila Smith

---

---

It is possible you could be experiencing more than just the blues. You may be depressed.

In recognition of the 25th annual National Depression Screening Day, the University of South Alabama Psychological Clinic will offer free and confidential online screenings for depression and other psychological conditions throughout the month of October.

This awareness campaign will kick off on the recognition day, which is Saturday, Oct. 8. And, the Mobile and greater Gulf Coast communities are invited to participate.

This national initiative raises awareness for depression and helps individuals who suffer from the symptoms of this condition find guidance and treatment. The USA Psychological Clinic is one of the thousands of college- and community-based organizations and military installations that provide this program to the public each year.

“Most individuals don’t receive checkups for their mental health like they do for their physical health. To seek out a mental health screening is usually somewhat of an invasive issue and seeking out a psychologist can be overwhelming,” said Dr. Kim Zlomke, director of the USA Psychological Clinic. “A mental health screening done in this anonymous and non-threatening manner allows for someone to have an easy check up on how they are feeling in the privacy of their own home.”

Zlomke says depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and experts estimate that nearly 16 million adults experience some form of this condition. Symptoms include prolonged feelings of sadness, extreme irritability over minor things, loss of interest in hobbies once found pleasurable and separation from friends and family members.

Zlomke said other symptoms of depression include:

• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Poor concentration
• Feeling of hopelessness
• Low energy

Zlomke said depression is an illness that often goes untreated, and that if a person experiences the above symptoms for more than a two-week period, he or she could be experiencing depression.

To take the brief and anonymous online screening, visit http://screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/usouthal.

The USA Psychological Clinic is operated by the psychology department and aims to provide mental health services to the Mobile community and the greater Gulf Coast area.

If you feel that you are in need of mental help services, USA Counseling and Testing Services offers free counseling to students, and the Psychological Clinic is open to faculty, staff and any member of the community, with low fees starting at $5.

The clinic at South offers individual and group sessions in comfortable designated therapy rooms, and is located on campus in the University Commons at UCOM 1000, 75 South University Blvd.

---