Free Depression Screenings Across San Diego This Week

The County of San Diego will continue a weeklong series of free depression screenings Tuesday in hopes of making the act of seeking help more convenient and less intimidating.

According to the American Society of Suicide Prevention, 90 percent of people who die by suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death.

Screenings are scheduled Tuesday in Escondido, Oceanside and Santee, and closer to home, screenings will be held Thursday at Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista from 4-8 p.m.

For a complete list of screening times and locations call the county's 24-hour Access and Crisis Line at (800) 479-3339 or 211 or go to countynewscenter.com

"These deaths are tragic and many people suffering from depression suffer in silence," said Nick Macchione, director of the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency. "Mental disorders are just like any other illness and need to be treated accordingly."

Trained mental health volunteers will administer the screenings to adults throughout the remainder of the week at about 20 sites around the county, said county spokesman Tom Christensen. Individuals who require immediate intervention or referral for ongoing help will be able to meet with an experienced mental health clinician, he said.

"We have to get beyond the stigma associated with mental illness and
allow people to feel comfortable seeking help," said Alfredo Aguirre, director
of the HHSA Mental Health Services. "These screenings are another way in which someone can conveniently get information on the resources that are out there."

City News Service contributed to this report.