Residents concerned about the symptoms and effects of depression had the opportunity to learn about the illness during National Depression Screening Day.

Community Health Services' free screening programme was held at the Bank of Butterfield on Reid Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. yesterday.

And Acute Community Mental Health Service programme manager Glenn Caisey said this year's event was even more successful than last year.

"People are more at ease, less self-conscious, and more willing to seek out information -- that's been a significant change from last year,'' Mr. Caisey said.

The event consisted of a written screening test, talks with a mental health professional and information brochures covering a range of issues such as teen suicide and bipolar disorder.

He said the programme was a screening process for depression -- not diagnostic -- and participants received tools to help them detect depression rather than offering treatment.

But he added depression was a "very treatable illness'' and encouraged residents to educate themselves about the causes and effects of the illness.

"Depression has a wide-range impact from a social, cognitive and emotional perspective, and there are no barriers along age or gender lines,'' Mr. Caisey said. Mr. Caisey said this year's event had expanded to examine depression among the adolescent population -- and Child and Adolescent Services set up a screening centre at Bermuda College yesterday as well.

"People tend to disregard the symptoms of depression or depressive illness, but this exercise should encourage people to recognise the symptoms and seek treatment.'' TAKE IT EASY -- Acute Community Mental Health Service Programme Manager Glenn Caisey conducts a test at National Depression Screening Day.

Graphic file name: DEPRES