Free depression screening tool part of mental-health initiative

The Calgary Counselling Centre wants Albertans to prioritize mental health and is offering a free online tool for National Depression Screening Day.

The Calgary Counselling Centre wants Albertans to prioritize their mental health and is offering a free online tool for National Depression Screening Day.

The hope is that for people who take a short quiz, it can be the first step toward feeling better and getting connected to support.

“Once you know that there is an issue, there is help available, and the sooner that you have it looked at and addressed, the easier it is to manage and deal with,” said Sarah Rosenfeld, associate director for the Calgary Counselling Centre.

This is the 20th annual day for the mental-health initiative.

It kicked off at Calgary’s Central Library Monday at noon.

Organizers say they don’t want people to miss the early warning signs or struggle longer than necessary.

“It’s OK to reach out to capable professionals out there who are willing to support and help,” said Rosenfeld.

Rosenfeld estimates one in four people will develop depression once in their lifetime, and an estimated one in five Albertans are at risk of some adverse mental-health event this year.

“It’s kind of a sad time to be living in, perhaps,” said Pacifica Olagaray-Amieva, a 31-year-old attendee.

She plans to complete the screening and adds she prioritizes her mental health with breathing exercises.

Although her mental health can be an ongoing struggle, she says she’s fortunate in many ways.

“I’m very grateful to have the support network that I do now. I recognize that this isn’t a reality for many people,” she said.

The online screening tool is available in six languages: English, French, Chinese, Punjabi, Spanish and Ukrainian.

The Calgary Counselling Centre provides individual and group therapy, in person and online.