Depression has become a widespread problem on college campuses and the Counseling Center at ETSU is raising awareness through depression screenings on Feb. 11.
In a 2001 survey, 13 percent of ETSU students reported being diagnosed with depression in the past 12 months. In the same survey, 56 percent of ETSU students said they had felt hopeless in the past 12 months.
“(Depression) is the problem we see most of at the Counseling Center,” said Davis Smith, assistant director of the Counseling Center. However, “Depression is a treatable problem,” he said.
The free, confidential screenings are open to anyone on campus. “You don’t have to be somebody who necessarily thinks you are depressed,” said Leslie Sharpe, a graduate assistant in the Counseling Center who is organizing the screenings.
Along with depression, post traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and generalized anxiety disorder are included in the screening.
At the screening, students fill out a short survey about the symptoms of depression and the other disorders. They will immediately talk with a counselor to explain the results and determine if they are suffering from depression. If needed, the counselor can help set up an appointment in the Counseling Center or get in touch with other sources in the community.
Smith said the symptoms of depression vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include frequently feeling sad and blue, decreased energy, changes in sleep and appetite, loss of motivation and interest in activities and isolation from others.
“For some people, it can become more serious,” Smith said. Some people will even have thoughts of death or suicide. According to the Jed Foundation, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.
College students are under a lot of pressure both socially and academically, Smith said. This makes them more susceptible to depression at this point in their lives.
Duane Yoshida, a senior history major, said he feels that college can be a difficult time trying to keep everything in balance. “A lot of students are away from home for the first time, you have to deal with a lot more,” he said.
“I think (depression screening) is a good idea because it offers students help that’s not costly,” said Kim Henry, a senior journalism major.
Sharpe suggests that students bring friends to the screening who they think might be suffering from depression.
Past depression screenings on campus have produced a good turnout, Smith said. The Counseling Center realizes the importance of mental health awareness on our campus and the need for these types of events.
“There is help out there,” Smith said. “We want to educate them about what they can do.”
The Counseling Center offers personal counseling to ETSU students free of charge.
The depression screenings will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Culp Center Atrium and also in the Student Health Services Office.

Author