HELOISE Help for depression is available for the asking

Dear Heloise: Can depression screening make a difference? The answer is definitely yes.
At the last Depression Screening Day, an elderly man was waiting at our doorstep. He had heard about the screening and drove 10 miles early that morning just to be there when the doors opened. He had many health problems, and he vented his anger at the medical establishment for failing to help him. The man seemed very depressed and had a very high score on both depression and anxiety. He clearly needed to talk and did so for more than an hour with one of our counselors.
The following day, he returned with his wife and met with another counselor. His wife and the counselor listened as he spoke about his depression and other difficult medical problems. The counselor explained some strategies and resources they could use to make better use of their medical services, including mental-health assistance.
This man's story is a strong reminder of why depression screening is needed and how National Depression Screening Day is there for many people who need help. Please urge your readers not to give up hope. Call the Site Locator Line, find a screening site and ask for help. Support is out there. Jim Ayers, Ph.D., L.P., clinic director, Walk-In Counseling Center, Minneapolis
Dr. Ayers, thank you for your very touching letter.
To find a depression-screening site near you, just call the Site Locator Line at (800) 520-6373 (there are 7,000 sites across the country). These free and anonymous screenings will be held on Thursday as part of the National Depression Screening Day. The help is out there -- all you need to do is ask! Heloise
Dear Heloise: I have an easy way to highlight taxable and tax-deductible items in my checkbook. I write a red-penciled "TD" next to a deductible item and circle with red pencil the amount.
These items really stand out when I go through my checkbook in February. J.S.F., Richardson, Texas
Dear Heloise: Recently, a reader suggested keeping a spare car key in the case with your cell phone. I've never locked my keys in the car, but I have run out of cash, notably last year when the big blackout hit.
Ever since then, I've kept a $10 bill in my phone case. When I spend it, I replace it.
Also, my phone includes stored numbers labeled "Dad," "Brother" and "Sister." Ever find a lost phone and scrolled through the list to try to figure out whom to call so the owner can get it back? This helps make it easier for a good Samaritan or an emergency worker. Hope these hints help someone! Karen M., Grand Rapids, Mich.
Dear Heloise: Occasionally, I am asked for my address and phone number, but not often enough to justify having address cards printed. Having been inundated with return-address stickers, I decided to use the larger ones on sturdy paper cut to business-card size and now make my own address cards. Lorraine Lingner, Bonita Springs, Fla.
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
King Features Syndicate