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Office of Public Information and Education
For additional information, please call (615) 532-6610 - Pager
1-800-283-0007 ID #7449
For Immediate Release
Friday, September 28, 2001
Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Screenings on One Month Anniversary of Attack
Nashville, TN —
As the one-month anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon approaches, some people may discover that their initial grief is still continuing and even worsening. They may cry a lot, experience uncontrollable anger or feel overwhelming despair. As these symptoms deepen, grief may become clinical depression. Some may also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), symptoms of which often appears one month after an initial trauma. Free screenings for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder will be conducted on Oct. 11, National Depression Screening Day. By happenstance, the date falls one month to the date of the terrorist attacks. The local screenings will be a vital tool in helping those who may be struggling with the aftermath of the tragedy."We were ready to participate in National Depression Screening Day long before the terrorists struck," said Joseph Swinford, Director of the Office of Consumer Affairs. "However, we now want to use this event to connect with people who may be having trouble and do not know where to turn."
Those who attend screenings will be given the opportunity to complete free, anonymous screenings for depression, manic-depression and PTSD, hear an educational presentation and consult with a clinician individually about their symptoms or the symptoms of someone about whom they are concerned. Information and referrals will be provided for those whose symptoms are consistent with depression, manic-depression, grief or post-traumatic stress disorder.
"Despite the fact the depressive illness is very treatable, many people do not recognize the signs and seek treatment," Swinford said. "As we adjust to the trauma of the events of the past few weeks, depression can develop. Knowing the signs and seeking help early can be a key in a person's recovery. This annual event occurs this year at an opportune moment to assist in early intervention of one of the most treatable mental illnesses."
One such screening, which will be held in Conference Room C, 2nd Floor, Cordell Hull Building, is scheduled between 11am-2pm.
To find the site nearest you, in and around Nashville, contact the Office of
Consumer Affairs, at (615) 532-6700. For other screening sites throughout the state,
call 1-800-520-6373.
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