People everyday receive health screenings for heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses but rarely do people think of having their mental wellness checked. This can change for residents of Grady County during a free and anonymous depression screening Oct. 9 from noon-6 p.m. in the main lobby of the Student Center at the University of Science and Arts.

The screenings are a part of National Depression Screening Day held during Mental Illiness Awareness Week each October. It is designed to call attention to the illness of depression on a national level, educate the public about its symptoms and effective treatments, offer individuals the opportunity to be screened for depression and connect those in need of treatment to the mental health care system.

“With soaring gas prices and a recession looming, it is common and understandable for people to feel angry, worried and sad -- especially if they lose their jobs or their homes or are stressed about paying the bills,” says Nancy Hughes, director of counseling and career services at USAO. “However, when anger, worry and irritability prevent people from accomplishing everyday tasks, getting help is crucial.

The screenings will address the risk for suicide, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder – as well as depression, Hughes said. The screenings are open to anyone in Grady County.