People say college is supposed to be great, but many students feel overwhelmed by stress and find themselves constantly tense, unhappy and feeling”not up to the challenge”of college life. Difficulties sleeping and concentrating can make the present an ordeal and the future look hopeless.

If students feel this way and can’t shake themselves out of it, they may be suffering from clinical depression or an anxiety disorder. These are more than just a bad day, the result of a bad grade, or worries about the future. They can leave you feeling so bad, you forget how it feels to feel good. The good news is that both depression and anxiety are highly treatable.

The WVU Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services will be offering free, confidential screenings for depression and anxiety from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, in the second floor lobby area inside the rear entrance to the Mountainlair. Here students will be able to fill out a quick mood self-test and talk privately with a counselor about their personal situation. Even if they don’t have depression or anxiety and are just going through a few bad days, they are invited to come take advantage of the program. Students may learn some things that might help a friend or roommate in the future.

Because symptoms of depression and anxiety often overlap, this yearfor the first timethe screening self-test includes questions targeting symptoms of bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder in addition to clinical depression. Information about these and a variety of other mental health concerns will be available free for the taking.

For more information, call the Carruth Center at 304-293-4431, or drop by during walk-in hours, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.