I participated in Depression Screening Day in October and they told me that my score was above the cutoff for depression. They told me to come in to the Counseling Center, but I am not sure I want my issues to be out there for everyone to see.
- Bummed in BARH
Dear Bummed,
We had to go to the Counseling Center for help with this answer. They mentioned the following things for use to help you. First, you chose to participate in National Depression Screening Day for a reason, possibly because you were feeling down, or maybe for some other reason such as stress. Second, the score you received is just that, a score. The Counseling Center suggests that it’s the symptoms and concerns you expressed that are important. You may have indicated that you have been feeling low in energy, or have been having trouble falling or staying asleep. This is what should be of concern for you, not a numerical score. Last, it sounds like there is something bothering you, as you mention your “issues.”
We were also told that confidentiality is of utmost importance to them as well. We went to their web page and found this under the Confidentiality link: “Confidentiality is also strictly respected at the Counseling Center. Your health care is your private business and we treat it that way. We will not talk to parents or friends without your explicit written authorization. No information is shared without the student’s permission—except in situations in which a student presents a clear and present danger to harm themselves or someone else.” Given this promise of confidentiality, Tweedle and Dee think you should give it a shot. The Center is located in The Student Health Center, Academy Hall, 3000 Level.
Editor’s Note: If you would like to submit a question to Tweedle and Dee, please e-mail poly@rpi.edu. Anonymity will be maintained.
