9/25/2009

Free Depression and Memory Screenings Offered at Our Lady of Peace

Thursday October 8th from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m

(Louisville, KY)  Our Lady of Peace licensed mental health professionals will host free depression and memory screenings on Thursday, October 8 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  The event will be held in the main lobby located at 2020 Newburg Road. The screenings are part of an annual awareness campaign that Our Lady of Peace supports to recognize National Depression Screening Day and Mental Illness Awareness Week.

More than 19 million adults nationwide each year suffer from clinical depression. It does not discriminate, affecting men and women of all ages, ethnicity and socioeconomic backgrounds.  Nearly two-thirds of those affected are not diagnosed and do not get medical treatment. Many of those people with depression don’t even realize they have it.  They attribute their symptoms to just being a “normal” part of life. 

But depression is a serious mental illness.  Without treatment, it can sometimes lead to suicide.  Often depression co-exists with other medical conditions and can complicate the situation. Once diagnosed, most cases can be treated effectively with a combination of medicine and psychotherapy.

“We have supported this day for many years by offering these free screenings,” commented Nancy Moss Weir, program organizer for this year’s event.  “It’s a good thing to be able to help people who may not have considered that they have been affected by depression or memory loss.  It’s like opening a door for them to recognize a better quality of life.”

“This is one way we can give back to our community and reach out to some folks who aren’t sure whether they need some help,” said Vice President of Psychiatric Services and Chief Nursing Officer Michelle Spurlock.  “With these screenings, we can identify the need for help in a confidential, one-on-one setting.” 

What do the screenings entail?  “Adults registered for the screenings will meet with a clinician who will ask a series of questions and record the responses.  Once completed, the clinician will share the results with the person, answer any questions and suggest if a referral for further evaluation is needed,” explained Spurlock.  She also emphasized that these screenings are not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.  They are meant to detect the presence or absence of depression and memory loss symptoms. 

Space is limited so please call to register for this free event at 502-451-3330.

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