The Town of Wake Forest is partnering with the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce, The Wake Forest Weekly, and Perkins Counseling & Psychological Services to sponsor a series of depression screenings throughout our area during the week of Oct. 3.
The campaign is designed to coincide with National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) on Oct. 6 which brings public attention to the critical needs of those living with depression and other mood disorders.
Free and open to the public, the depression screenings will be conducted by certified mental health professionals offering area residents a comfortable, confidential, and trusted means of assessing their mental health. Sessions will be offered from noon to 6 p.m. each day from Oct. 3 to 8 at the following locations:
- Monday, Oct. 3 – Crossroads Fellowship, 13029 Keith Store Road
- Tuesday, Oct. 4 – Carillon Assisted Living of Wake Forest, 3218 Heritage Trade Drive
- Wednesday, Oct. 5 – Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, 237 Friendship Chapel Road
- Thursday, Oct. 6 – Villas of Wake Forest Club House, 989 Blue Bird Lane
- Friday, Oct. 7 – Wake Forest Baptist Church, 118 East South Avenue
- Saturday, Oct. 8 – Northeast Regional Library, 14401 Green Elm Lane, Raleigh
Each screening will take approximately 10 minutes. No appointment is required, and walk-ins are welcome.
Similar to many physical illnesses, early recognition and treatment offers the best opportunity for recovery from mental illness. Symptoms of depression include:
- Feelings of sadness or emptiness that don’t go away within a few weeks
- Extreme irritability over minor things
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Difficulty concentrating
- Appetite/weight changes
Anyone experiencing one or more of these symptoms is encouraged to undergo a free depression screening.
“This weeklong depression screening event is a great opportunity to educate our community about common mental health conditions, as well as resources that are available for treatment,” said Communications & Public Affairs Director Bill Crabtree.
Volunteers are needed to serve as greeters at each location. Mental health professionals are also needed to conduct the screenings. For more information or to volunteer, contact Rich Perkins at richperkins66@gmail.com.
