Free depression screenings offered

Suicide Prevention Services will offer free depression screenings from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7 for anyone age 6 or older. SPS is at 528 S. Batavia Ave. For more information, visit www.spsfv.org or call for an appointment at another time, (630) 482-9699.

Untreated depression is a major contributor to suicide. A screening is often the first step toward recovery. One in six adults have a mental illness, yet, less than half seek treatment, even though treatment is often successful.

Mental Illness Awareness Week is held annually in October. National Depression Screening Day raises awareness and screens people for depression as well as related mood and anxiety disorders. A validated screening questionnaire and referral information for treatment are provided. Over half a million people are screened each year.

Suicide Prevention Services provides training, outreach, education, and prevention programs. The agency normally has free or low-cost confidential screenings by appointment. SPS also offers counseling services and 24-hour telephone assistance: Depression Hotline, (630) 482-9696; National Lifeline, (800) 273-8255.