The Health and Counseling Center is offering free online depression screening to DU students as part of the National Depression Screening Day, which is today.

According to Kelly Fenson-Hood, promotion and marketing coordinator for the health center, one out of five DU students is experiencing some form of depression.

“Depression goes across every gender, ethnicity, sexual preference and disability,” said staff psychologist and Outreach coordinator, Michael Maley.

Maley and Fenson-Hood encourage all students to take the survey that can be found at www.du.edu/duhealth and will be available to the end of the fall quarter.

The health center also offers individual, group and couple counseling.

Psychology professor Hallie Ward stressed that depression can affect everyone and is not uncommon among college students.

“Depression is something that we need to talk about openly. It is way more common that people think,” Ward said.

Maley agreed with the assessment, saying, “[Depression] is much more than just feeling sad.”

Fenson-Hood, Maley and Ward pointed out that students should look for signs if they suspect depression in themselves or a friend. Such indicators are changes in appetite, sleeping problems, substance abuse, social isolation, feelings of worthlessness and lack of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities.

Students should “come in and see someone” at the health center if they feel they are depressed, said Maley, adding that depressed students will benefit from talk therapy and or medication.

Ward stated that students receiving counseling services are protected by confidentiality.

“Counselors can’t tell you parents, friends or anyone about your diagnosis. The only time to break confidentiality is if you may hurt yourself or others.”

According to Maley it is better to treat depression early. “The sooner you catch it the better.”

It is also important for students to take care of their health to prevent depression, Ward pointed out. “The biggest trigger [for depression] is lack of sleep” said Ward.

Other advice given to avoid depression included eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep.