Feeling Down? Coney Island Hospital To Offer Free Depression Screening & Counseling Tomorrow

I don’t know about you, but this chilly, grey weather has got me feeling such that all I want to do is curl up into a ball in the corner of my office and have myself a little cry. I’m sure I can’t be the only one.

So for those of us who suffer a little seasonal trauma or symptoms of a much deeper, darker problem, Coney Island Hospital is participating in the city’s Health and Hospitals Corporation’s Mental Illness Awareness Week with free depression screenings and counseling services tomorrow.

Twelve HHC facilities Hospital across the city

The confidential screenings will be conducted by mental health professionals in individual, private consultations and are designed to identify symptoms of depression and mood disorders. Patients requiring assistance will be referred to appropriate levels of treatment within each facility.

Here’s some information about depression from the HHC’s news release:

Depression is a common yet serious medical condition, characterized by pervasive low mood; loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities; and significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning. Other symptoms can include difficulty concentrating, loss of energy, trouble sleeping, changes in weight, feelings of worthlessness and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, each year, depression affects more than 400,000 (8 percent) adult New Yorkers, but only one-third of these individuals receives treatment. Early detection and treatment can reduce suffering and improve quality of life. Depression can worsen the course and complicate the treatment of other health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. In its most serious and tragic form, depression can lead to suicide.

Feel free to contact Coney Island Hospital with any questions or concerns: Coney Island Hospital; 2601 Ocean Parkway; (718) 616-3000.