YMCA offering free depression screenings Thursday

Will take place at both YMCAs

The YMCA is offering free advice this week for those who feel they have a mental or emotional problem.

Both the La Crosse and Onalaska YMCA will host adult depression screenings Thursday – at Onalaska from 8 -11 a.m. and La Crosse between 4-7 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

“Mental health deserves the same attention as physical health,” Erik Sievers, licensed clinical social worker and clinical manager of Outpatient Behavioral Health at Gundersen. “Our goals for this event are to raise awareness for mental health disorders and connect community members who may be struggling with depression or other mood disorders with quality, local treatment options.”

Gundersen Health System therapist Sarah Johnson says visitors to the screenings could be urged to seek medical help if they have the warning signs of depression.

The screenings are not diagnostic, but may determine if someone is exhibiting symptoms associated with depression or other mood disorders, and if they should seek help.

In a recent independent study commissioned by Screening for Mental Health, 55 percent of study participants who completed a depression and mood disorder screening sought treatment within three months.