NEW YORK CITY – May 2, 2005 – To identify children and adolescents who may need help, free and confidential screenings for depression will be offered at more than 80 sites citywide tomorrow, Tuesday, May 3, as part of the nationally observed Childhood Depression Awareness Day. Many of the screening sites, which include hospitals and community health and mental health centers, will also screen adults. A wide range of informational materials will be available in English, Spanish and Chinese. Participants can also discuss their concerns with a mental health professional.

Lloyd I. Sederer, M.D., Executive Deputy Commissioner of the Health Department’s Division of Mental Hygiene, said, “Depression affects people of all ages. It can be particularly difficult for parents and caregivers to distinguish symptoms of depression from what they may perceive to be the turmoil of adolescence, leaving the disease undetected. Parents and caregivers need to recognize the signs of depression so they can seek treatment for their children. To find out where to get a free depression screening, or to get general information info and referral services, call 311 and ask for Lifenet”

A child who struggles with any combination of the following behaviors for 2 weeks or more may have an emotional problem that needs attention. For help, call 311 and ask for LIFENET.
Children 6 to 11	Adolescents
Regular worry or anxiety Decline in school performance Difficulty going to sleep Recurring nightmares Repeated refusal to go to school or take part in normal activities Frequent, unexplainable temper tantrums Hyperactivity or excessive fidgeting Persistent disobedience or aggression Trouble paying attention, concentrating or getting organized	Marked decline in school performance Persistent bad mood Problems with authority figures Truancy, theft, vandalism, or consistent violation of rights of others Substance abuse, including use of tobacco Intense fear of becoming obese, with no relationship to actual body weight; constant dieting; restrictive eating habits; purging; or vomiting Frequent outbursts of anger Inability to cope with problems and daily activities Persistent nightmares Physical complaints Threats to harm self or others Sexual acting out Threats to run away Marked change in sleeping habits (sleeps too much or too little)

LIFENET, the City’s free information and referral hotline for mental health and alcohol/substance abuse services that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week is available in many languages:

• English: 1-800-LIFENET (1-800-543-3638)
• Spanish: 1-877-AYÚDESE (1-877-298-3373)
• Chinese: Asian Lifenet (1-877-990-8585)
• Other languages: 1-800-LIFENET
• TTY (hearing impaired): 212-982-5284

Sponsored by the National Mental Health Association, Childhood Depression Awareness Day is part of Mental Health Awareness Month, which is recognized each year to educate Americans that mental health problems are real, common, and highly treatable. To locate a convenient screening site, New Yorkers can call 1-800-LIFENET (1-800-543-3638) or 311 and ask for Lifenet.

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