HELOISE Depression screening day changed her life

Dear Heloise: Several years ago, I attended a National Depression Screening Day program in my area. This program made a tremendous difference in my life, and I would like others to know about it.
I had been feeling really bad for a while. I had just lost a relationship, and my job felt stagnant. I had no energy. I felt like a huge weight was on my shoulders. Sometimes I just wanted to go to sleep and not wake up. I knew I couldn't "leave," because I am a single mother with a son, so I was struggling through each day, tired and unhappy. Worst of all, I wasn't giving my son the time and energy he deserved, because it took so much work just to put one foot in front of the other.
I got the phone number of a screening site and went to the screening location, completed the questionnaire and talked to a mental-health clinician. I was a nervous wreck, but once I got there, I realized I didn't need to be scared. It was very easy and comfortable, and I left feeling like there was hope after all.
I urge anyone who is feeling the way I did to take advantage of National Depression Screening Day. It certainly was the first step for me. Today, I'm happy and out of treatment. But if I started to feel depressed again, I would go back to the screening center in a heartbeat. I know now that depression is an illness, and I would seek help immediately. For those who need help taking the first step, National Depression Screening Day is a great place to start. Christie in Missouri
Thank you for your poignant and very honest letter. I am so glad you were able to get the help you needed!
I have been sharing information about National Depression Screening Day since its beginning 13 years ago. This year, the day is Thursday, Oct. 9. This program is free, completely confidential and consists of an educational presentation, a written self-assessment and the opportunity to privately talk with a mental-health professional.
There are 4,000 Screening Day sites in the country. To find the one that's nearest you, call (800) 520-NDSD (6373) or visit the Web site www.mentalhealthscreening.org. Help is there -- free for the taking! Heloise
Dear Heloise: We were part of the recent blackout. I took our solar lights off their stakes outside and used them in the house.
They were much safer than candles and could be used all night. Penny Pero, Rochester, N.Y.
Dear Heloise: When I buy cases of bottled water, I recycle the short 9-by-12-inch boxes by covering them with pretty wrapping paper. Then I put them in places where clutter seems to appear, such as bathroom counters or cabinets.
They are also good for RV cabinets so things don't get thrown around. Susie Grooms, Jeffersonville, Ind.
King Features Syndicate