Free depression screenings to look for stress disorder

Mental health workers are seeing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

By TERRI D. REEVES

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 10, 2001

PALM HARBOR -- When the unprecedented acts of terror occurred in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, more than 5,000 people lost their lives. One month later, other casualties are beginning to surface.

Mental health professionals report that many who witnessed the events in person or through the media reports are beginning to show symptoms of depression and/or post-traumatic stress disorder.

"We've had phone calls from people all over the county," said Sandi Sunter, director of community programs for Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. "People are feeling anxious, emotionally numb, and highly alert to the environment."

Although some degree of physical and emotional changes are normal, Sunter said, concerned individuals may wish to receive free mental health screenings Thursday at the hospice's north community service center, 2675 Tampa Road.

As part of National Depression Screening Day and Mental Illness Awareness Week, the hospice's Bridges Community Bereavement Services program will conduct depression screenings and provide referrals to mental health professionals for those who need it. And for the first time, because of current events, the screening site will help identify persons suffering from the stress disorder.

Although normally thought of as a disorder associated with war veterans, it is a delayed reaction to traumatic events in a person's life, Sunter said. Symptoms can include sleep disturbances, nightmares, rapid heart rate, avoidance of social situations, feelings of doom and unexplained fatigue.

"Many things can trigger PTSD," Sunter said. "Hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, death of a loved one -- really, any horrible tragedy."

If you go

If you go: Emotional distress and depression screenings will be held at the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast's north community service center, 2675 Tampa Road, Palm Harbor, Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (727) 586-4432.

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