PERSONAL HEALTH : Free Screening for Depression

For years, health experts have offered community-wide free screenings for ailments such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and vision problems.

Why then, reasoned Dr. Douglas Jacobs, can’t people be screened for depression?

Three years ago, the Harvard psychiatrist put his idea to the test with the first annual National Depression Screening Day. Last year, 24,000 people participated. And on Thursday more than 50,000 people are expected to turn out for the free screening at one of 1,200 sites.

Participants will hear a lecture on depression, answer a brief, anonymous questionnaire, and review their answers with a mental-health professional to learn whether they have symptoms of depression and are in need of further evaluation.

“This event has corroborated our belief that it’s time for psychiatry to come from behind closed doors to reach the public,” Jacobs says. “It will help destigmatize mental illness. And it shows that depression is an illness and is treatable.”

For the location of a free screening site nearest you, call (800) 433-1400.