As a participant of National Depression Screening Day, Pat Walker Health Center's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is offering free screenings for depression and other mood disorders from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, in the Arkansas Union Connections Lounge.

National Depression Screening Day began in 1990 as an effort to reach individuals across the nation with important mental health education and connect them with support services. Since then, the annual event has expanded to thousands of colleges, community-based organizations, and military installations providing the program to the public each year.

"Mental Health deserves the same attention as physical health," said Kendra Glasper, mental health clinician and CAPS outreach coordinator. "We hope to not only raise awareness for mental health disorders, but also connect students who may be struggling with depression or other mood disorders to various resources available to them."

Depression affects more than 15 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. Only about half of Americans diagnosed with major depression in a given year receive treatment for it, and one fifth receive treatment aligned with current practice guidelines.

Students interested can stop by, complete a short screening and discuss their results with one of CAPS' mental health clinicians.

Although screenings are not diagnostic, they can determine if a student is exhibiting symptoms associated with depression and other mood disorders, and if they should seek help.

Can't make it to National Depression Screening Day? Take a mental health screening online. Brief screenings are the quickest way to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a mental health professional.

For more mental health resources and services, go to health.uark.edu.