“Snap out of it! It’s just a phase! Perk up!” These words of encouragement may seem helpful to someone who is experiencing a moment of sadness. However, for those who are depressed, these words may not resonate.
According to Health Canada, depression is an illness that affects approximately 7 per cent of Canadians each year — roughly 14 million people. According to the World Health Organization, depression will be one of the largest burdens on the health system by 2020. Mental illnesses is a leading cause of disability and premature death in Canada.
Calgary Counselling Centre and the University of Calgary will be hosting Calgary’s National Depression Screening day on Oct. 4. It is an effort to erase the stigma surrounding depression, start conversations and face issues of mental illness. The screening day started in 2005.
NDSD offers students the chance to be screened for depression with complete anonymity. Last year, 77 per cent of people in their late teens and early 20s who took the test were recommended for further evaluation. Individuals with the highest anxiety symptoms are in their 20s, according to the Calgary Counselling Centre.
The Calgary Counselling Centre will offer a free screening tool for depression on their website for 24 hours that will indicate whether a person should seek further treatment and reiterate depressive symptoms to look out for.
CEO of Calgary Counselling Centre and U of C social work instructor Robbie Babins-Wagner said the screening will look at the wide range of depression symptoms.
“With NDSD, we try to reach many people who are high risk for depressive symptoms and encourage them to pursue further evaluation,” said Babins-Wagner. “Getting treatment sooner provides better results. Every year, NDSD provides a start for people to get help.”
Calgary Counselling Centre has partnered with the U of C in order to provide the best possible care for students and lend a hand to those who feel depressed but are unsure where to turn.
When challenges in one’s personal life and school life mix, it is common for depression to occur, said director of communications at Calgary Counselling Centre Louise Gallagher. She said students should seek help if they are feeling depressed.
“I remember being a student — I remember the stress and the life changes,” said Gallagher. “Students should know they are not alone and should be aware that the symptoms they may be feeling could indicate depression, and that there is help if that’s the case.”
According to Statistics Canada, the wide range of symptoms includes sadness, guilt, irritability, boredom, loss of appetite and physical pain.
Gallagher said there are unlimited resources available to students, both through Calgary Counselling Centre and the U of C.
Fourth-year U of C psychology student Haley Smith said the screening is a good tool to help students understand depression and mental illness.
“I think the fact that it prompts people to seek help is excellent,” she said. “It’s a great way to bring awareness about depression, and help those who are struggling.”
The U of C’s Mental Health Awareness Week will be occurring Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 and many services and events will take place across campus.