Campus offers free mental health

resources before finals

Emily E. Nichols, Collegian Correspondent
Published: Friday, May 11, 2007
Updated: Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Students, faculty and staff facing end-of-semester anxiety or depression have the
opportunity to benefit from free screening sessions being conducted today by the
University of Massachusetts' Psychological Services Center (PSC).

"Anxiety symptoms come in many forms, including intense fears about specific
situations or items [phobias]; unexplained panic attacks, and compulsive behavior
related to obsessive thoughts," according to Christopher Overtree, the director of
PSC. "Common symptoms of depression include extreme sadness, decrease in
pleasure and agitation," he added.

According to Overtree, "Anxiety and depressive disorders are among the most
common of all mental illnesses, afflicting more than 19 million Americans each
year."

Anxiety and depression can be particularly prominent during finals week, and at
other times of increased stress. Sophomore nursing major Amy Jagelski said,
"Anxiety and depression [are] a significant problem during finals, because it's a
student's last chance to raise his or her grade for the semester. It's very hard to
manage stress."

"Students get stressed, and begin to have symptoms similar to the symptoms of
anxiety and depression," Overtree said. "At that point, resources such as the PSC
are beneficial in seeking out help, the treatments of stress are closely related to the
treatments of anxiety and depression," he added.

"Medication is not the only option," Overtree said. "Psychotherapy, exercise, changes
in dietary habits, and other forms of counseling can help in the reduction of stress."

The PSC, the teaching clinic for the University's clinical psychology program, offers
low fee psychotherapy and psychological assessment services to members of the
campus and local communities. The free screenings are scheduled as part of
National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week, which ends today.

The Freedom from Fear Foundation, a national organization that hosts National
Depression and Anxiety Week sponsors the free screenings. The PSC is contributing
personnel time and resources to participate.

National Anxiety and Depression Screening Day, Overtree said, is "An opportunity to
raise awareness about these serious psychological conditions, and hopefully, to
reduce the stigma that is often associated with mental health treatment."

The PSC started a new program in September of 2006 to provide psychological

assessments at a reduced cost, learning disability and psychological evaluations.
Since its inception, the program has provided more than $35,000 of free and
reduced-fee care.

"The program is one of several new initiatives intended to increase access to mental
health services in the Pioneer Valley," Overtree said, although the PSC has offered
low-cost psychotherapy for adults, children, and couples since it first opened in
1963. The free screenings will be available from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. in 123 Tobin Hall.
Students and others may make appointments by calling (413) 545-0041. The clinic
is also open the rest of the year, to provide mental health services at low rates.

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