DMDA TO SPONSOR LOCAL DEPRESSION SCREENING

Suicidal thoughts. Constant fatigue. Loss of appetite.

These signs of clinical depression, alone or combined, spell trouble for the victim. It isn't a simple case of the blues. Just like any other disease, mental illness left untreated will consume one's life, resulting in tragedy.

Responding to the psychological needs of area residents, the Depressive-Manic Depressive Association of Southeast Missouri is a sponsor for the National Depression Screening Day on Thursday. It is the third year for the program locally.

~Sue Floyd, president of DMDA, said the screenings are offered at three different sites to alleviate the stigma of visiting a counseling center or psychiatrist's office.~

Screening participants will be assigned a number before they complete a questionnaire. Later, after listening to a speech on depression, they will be given a confidential evaluation of the questionnaire, possibly resulting in reference to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

~"We saw about 50 people last year," said Floyd. ~"My feeling is that, if we can help one person get treatment, it is worth all the energy and effort for the program. But I hope we help more than one."

Screenings will be offered from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Center, 921 Clark; from 2-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at St. Francis Medical Center's Education Department, Room A; and from 2-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Southeast Missouri State University, Crisp Hall, Rooms 209 and 210.

Because of her own bouts with depression, Floyd became involved with promoting the screening day. She sought help in 1986 after her medical doctor said there was no reason for her back pain and other physical ailments. He referred her to a mental health professional.

Family disapproval and fear of being called crazy had prevented Floyd from seeking help earlier. Because of her delay, she said, she had to take medication to balance her brain chemistry.

In 1992, after six years of counseling and medication, Floyd began to lead a more productive life. While there are still setbacks, she knows how to deal with them and sees her counselor just once a month. Now the DMDA president attempts to tell others, young and old, her message.

~"It is vital to reach young people, because they are sometimes being abused verbally, physically or sexually," Floyd said. ~"Older people suffer depression because they lose loved ones, their children move away, or they experience financial difficulty. That is why we are having one of the screenings at the senior center."

The DMDA conducts educational meetings from 7-9 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at St. Francis Medical Center, Conference Room B.

For additional information about depression or the screenings, call 334-1100, extension 212.