Thoughts of suicide. Feelings of worthlessness. Wishing you'd never been born. Having a really bad day.

All are good reasons to recognize National Depression Screening Day by getting screened for depression.

You're not alone, said two local psychologists who deal with clients' depression every day. Even in the middle of Happy Valley.

According to a study through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Utah has the third-highest incidence of serious psychological distress among adults, behind Rhode Island and West Virginia. Other regions have pockets of greater severity, but only a few reported statewide above-average incidences of psychological distress.

"I can't explain why that is, it just is," said Ted Terry, a psychologist with Wasatch Mental Health in Provo.

So, while Salt Lake Valley reported more stress, there may be some truth to the Happy Valley, keeping-pharmacies-in-business rumors about Utah County after all. But is that such a bad thingfi

"I look at that as being quite positive," Terry said, adding the higher numbers, if they were accurate, meant more Utahns were getting treatment for their depression. "Oftentimes people don't want to acknowledge that there's a problem or disturbance."

Between 10 and 15 percent of the adult population has some kind of mental illness, according to the national health department's statistics, a number that is mirrored in the college-age population as well, of which Utah County has plenty. That is why Brigham Young University got involved in National Depression Screening Day, along with about 600 other colleges and universities nationwide.

"We see everything in between," said Tyler Pedersen, an assistant clinical professor and psychologist at BYU's Counseling Center.

He said he's anticipating the clientele today will range from people who have questions or just want to make sure they're OK to people with severe depression, anxiety or other illnesses. All, regardless of the severity of or complete lack of symptoms, are welcome, he said.

Today's event is largely to raise awareness, as statistics indicate that only about half of the students who suffer from depression are getting help, he said.

"Certainly they're out there," Pedersen said; he said he's talked to several as he's been out and about. Suicide rates also tend to be higher among people who have depression but are not seeking help.

The screening opportunity today consists of a short questionnaire that asks about depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress, then a counselor will score it and discuss it. A low score means the client probably is not depressed and is just having a rough day, hasn't been sleeping well or other problems unrelated to mental health. A high score indicates a possible problem, and Pedersen said the counselor will discuss treatment options with the client. It is not designed to add more stress or worries.

"This is designed to be the opposite," he said. There will be treats and a video to watch while people are waiting, and it's a casual, informal environment.

That may be just what people struggling with depression need. Terry said although society is getting over its stigma of depression and other mental illnesses, there's still a lot of misinformation or voids in information out there.

"At the same time people do not understand mental illness like they do medical illness," he said, adding depressed people are often told by well-meaning friends and family to get a grip or cheer up, but it's not that easy. "It really is a chemical imbalance."

Along with that, depression can have physical symptoms, and physical ailments can manifest themselves as mood disorders, anxiety or depression -- all still good reasons to see a doctor or support a friend or family member who exhibits symptoms and hasn't gotten help.

"You'll find sometimes that people will really mask it quite well," Terry said.

The screening is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the counseling center in BYU's Wilkinson Center, Room 1500. Pedersen emphasized that it is open to the public, not just to BYU students, although the center can't offer post-screening treatment to nonstudents.

Heidi Toth can be reached at 344-2543 or htoth@heraldextra.com.

Possible symptoms of depression

Change in eating and sleeping habits

Talking about death or suicide, wishing to be dead

Excessive acting out in children

Fatigue

Difficulty concentrating

Feeling sad, empty, tearful

The three Hs -- helpless, hapless, hopeless

Apathy, indifference, not looking ahead to the future

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page C1.