Some college students feel overwhelmed by stress, sad, trapped by inertia, hopeless and not up to the challenge of college.

If you feel this way and can’t shake yourself out of it no matter what you do, you might be suffering from clinical depression. Depression is more than just a bad day, the result of a bad grade, or a little anxiety about future events. It is a treatable disorder that can leave you feeling so bad that you forget how it feels to feel good.

Symptoms of clinical depression include:

• Persistent, sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, helplessness and worthlessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, ranging from schoolwork to sex
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Changes in appetite
• Decreased energy, fatigue and feeling "slowed down"
• Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
• Increased restlessness and irritability
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
• Physical symptoms — such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain — that don’t respond to medical treatment

On Oct. 7, the St. Thomas Counseling Center will offer free, confidential screenings for depression, in which you fill out a quick self-test, view an informational videotape and talk with a counselor about your personal situation. Even if you don’t have depression and are just going through a couple of bad days, you are invited to come take advantage of the program and learn about what services are available on campus. You may learn something that will help you or a friend or roommate in the future.

The screenings will be held between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at the following locations:

• Second-floor atrium, Murray-Herrick Campus Center, and
• Campus Square (outside Scooter’s), Murray-Herrick Campus Center.

For more information please call the counseling center at (651) 962-6780 or visit the counseling center Web site: www.stthomas.edu/pc.

Concerned about a friend or family member?

During National Depression Screening Day we also will offer information and a quick questionnaire for individuals who are concerned about a friend or family member who may be depressed or suicidal. Stop by to learn about how you can help someone who is depressed. For more information, visit: www.stthomas.edu/pc.