Time is running out for Christmas shoppers -- it's time to deck the halls with red, green and, apparently, blue. But the merriest time of year just isn't so merry for some people. Mental health professionals agree that depression rates spike during the Christmas season. But depression is not only common, it's treatable. And that's why College of the Sequoias is holding a depression screening on Tuesday, open to all of its students and staff.

For local residents who aren't students or staff members at COS, Dr. Lorie DeCarvalho offered some professional advice. DeCarvalho is a licensed clinical psychologist, a board certified expert in traumatic stress and a specialist in pain management.

"It's absolutely true that there is a rise in rates of depression and grief during the holidays," she said. "It seems that the holidays should be a happy time. But for many people, there are things during the holidays that exacerbate stress and depression."

One of the most common conditions DeCarvalho said she treats people for is depression. Symptoms she said might indicate a person is suffering from depression include:

-- sadness

-- listlessness or fatigue

-- changes in appetite: overeating or undereating

-- body aches

-- loss of hope

-- don't feel like getting out and doing things they normally love to do

-- sleeping all of the time or not at all

If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, a person should seek professional help, DeCarvalho said. If someone starts to feel hopeless or like their life is worthless, they should definitely seek help, she added.

If a loved one is exhibiting these symptoms, approach them as simply as possible, she said.

"Don't be judgmental," she said. "Let them know that they're loved and cared for."

DeCarvalho admitted that there's a societal stigma attached to seeking mental health treatment, but said treatment should come from a professional. Family members are not trained and can not be objective in treatment, she said.

"There's no shame in feeling depressed," she said. "A lot of people get down and depressed. There is no shame in seeking out help. The saying that things get better with time is not necessarily true. It's not really something to wait on. And it's very common for more people to come in during the holidays."

For help, DeCarvalho suggested contacting a psychologist or, if necessary, calling a suicide hotline. (The national hotline is 1-800-suicide).

Jill Maze, licensed clinical social worker and psychological services supervisor for COS, said the COS Visalia campus health center sees a wave of students for depression around this time of year. That's why the college annually hosts a depression screening for students and staff during the holiday season.

Maze encouraged students and staff members experiencing symptoms of depression to attend Tuesday's screening, which will last from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The screening will be held at the health center, in the same building as the bookstore and the student union. At the screening, handouts and information will be available about depression and suicide as well as treatment resources.

"Our goal is to increase awareness about depression, especially during the holiday time," Maze said. "We want to link people to available resources."

According to www.healthyminds.org, a Web site posted by the American Psychiatric Association, depression affects nearly one in 10 adults each year. Depression can strike at any time, but on average, first appears during the late teens to mid-20s. Depression is also common in older adults.

Also according to the Web site, suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24.

Depression screening

Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

College of the Sequoias health center, Visalia

More info: 730-3700

The reporter can be reached at 583-2424.

(Dec. 8, 2008)