KLF Counseling and Consulting, PA        

As a service to the residents of Georgetown and Horry Counties in South Carolina, three clinicians provided a confidential screening for those individuals and/or their families who were concerned they may have depression or another mood disorder.  A confidential FREE appointments were scheduled in the 637 Bellamy Avenue, Suite C, Murrells Inlet, SC practice. 

Did you know:

Some facts about depression:

• Clinical depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting more than 19 million Americans each year.
• Depression causes people to lose pleasure in daily life, can complicate other medical conditions, and can even be serious enough to lead to suicide.
• Depression can occur to anyone, at any age, and to people of any race or ethnic group.  Depression is never a "normal" part of life, no matter your age, gender, or health situation.
• More than 80 percent of people with clinical depression can be successfully treated.  Unfortunately, fewer than half of those suffering from this illness seek treatment.  Many people resist treatment because they believe that depression isn't serious, that they can treat it themselves, or that it is a personal weakness rather than a serious medical illness. With early recognition, intervention, and support, most individuals can lead productive lives.

Screening can play a key role in the early identification and treatment of depression.  According to a recent study released by the non-profit organization Screening for Mental Health, Inc., over half of participants who took a screening online between October and December of 2008 sought depression treatment in the three months following their initial screening.

Recognizing the early signs of depression by friends, family, spouses, and co-workers is very helpful to an individual who says Kathy L. Fortner, Ed. S., LPC, NCC.   Some of the signs of depression are feelings of worthlessness; having trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual; not feeling like eating or eating too much; feelings or restlessness or irritability; tiredness, weakness; or low energy; having trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; and thinking or talking about suicide.  Depression is an illness that can be treated, such as diabetes or heart disease.  Also, if there is a family history of depression, bipolar disorder, or the individual is experiencing serious medical conditions such as heart disease, thyroid disorder, diabetes, or if there are new medications prescribed, there could be depressive symptoms related to taking the new medications.

As part of the program, local residents had the opportunity to complete a brief, written questionnaire; picked up educational materials on depression, stress, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder; and learned how to help a friend or family member who may be at risk. Individuals were also given the option of talking to a health care professional about any personal concerns. Screenings were offered at KLF Counseling & Consulting, PA, 637 Bellamy Avenue, Suite C  from 09:00am - 07:00pm.

Did you know that the counselors at 637 Bellamy Avenue, Murrells Inlet, SC were only one four sites in South Carolina sponoring a free mental health screening in South Carolina in a private practice setting?