“Research has shown that when the economy is unstable, psychiatric hospitalizations tend to go up,” Big Spring State Hospital Superintendent Ed Moughon said.

 Although the free screenings are not a substitute for a doctor’s thorough examination, they are an affordable way to receive feedback from experienced clinicians on whether what they are experiencing true depression, feelings of sadness or anxiety, he said.

 The depression screenings also are convenient for working people who have trouble carving out time for doctor’s appointments, said Shelly Smith, LMSW, West Texas Centers for MHMR CEO.

 This is the ninth year the hospital and West Texas Centers has partnered to offer the free screenings to the public.

 The screenings will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the first floor conference room of Scenic Mountain Medical Center, 1601 W. 11th Place.

 Attendees will be presented with a brief explanation of the screening and a questionnaire asking a variety of questions regarding many of their thoughts and feelings. Following completion of the questionnaire, a mental health worker will review the answers and confer individually with each participant, Smith said.

A diagnosis for depression or other mood disorders will not be made during the screenings and the screenings should not be considered a substitute for a doctor’s diagnosis.

A list of resources will be made available for people who need additional assistance, including educational materials as well as a list of treatment providers.

 West Texas Centers for MHMR and Big Spring State Hospital will offer the screenings, which are confidential and open to people of all ages, including children. However, parents may be asked to complete corresponding questionnaires for their children.

“We offer this service every year during National Mental Illness Awareness Week,” Smith said.

 In addition, West Texas Centers is offering free screenings in several communities in their 23-county service area. Winters, Sweetwater and Brownfield will host screenings for people in outlying communities, Smith said.

 “The people who have attended our screenings are so very thankful,” Smith said. “It’s gratifying and we enjoy providing this service.”

 West Texas Centers for MHMR is the designated mental health provider in 23 counties in rural West Texas. Big Spring State Hospital is a 200-bed psychiatric hospital for people living in 57 counties in West Texas.

 For more information, call 432 816-9257.