The national Mental Health Screening Day outreach is a quick and convenient way to spot signs of depression, bi-polar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or suicidal tendencies.
“In the past, we've really focused on adults,” said Maureen O'Malley of the Missoula Suicide Prevention Network. “But we've found the screening is equally effective for children and adolescents.”
“If we were able to tease out more of these situations earlier and refer them to help, we'd be a lot healthier as a community,” O'Malley said. “This is for anybody at all who has concerns about themselves or a family member, but doesn't know how to start.
“Sometimes a family member will see it and say, ‘I'll go with you if you agree to do this.' Sometimes people come who don't have medical coverage, and they see that it's free. Some just don't know where to start on getting help.”
In the aftermath of a suicide crisis, family and friends often say there were no signs of trouble. But O'Malley said trained professionals can frequently spot warning signs in time to head off bigger problems.
For example, parents may use the screening to gauge their own child's condition in the wake of some other traumatic event. It may also provide insights to behavior changes such as smoking, drug use or withdrawal from friends and family.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The screening is at St. Patrick Hospital's Conference Room D from noon to 7 p.m. No appointment is necessary.
Screenings offered
A free mental health screening is from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday at St. Patrick Hospital's Conference Room D. No appointment is necessary. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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