Lyon College is offering a free mental health screening for students for a range of common emotional conditions that often go undiagnosed and misunderstood.

Every academic year, millions of students are affected by depression, anxiety or a related mental health issue. Yet social stigma, confusion and a simple lack of knowledge of the resources available prevent many for seeking out the help they need.

Counseling and Health & Wellness will be offering free, confidential screenings for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. At the screening, students will be able to fill out a questionnaire and talk with a professional about the results. Those who appear to need further evaluation will be given referrals on campus or to other local professionals.

Questions a student might be asked include:

• Have you lost pleasure in things you used to enjoy?

• Do you have trouble sleeping or eating?

• Does your mood fluctuate between overly “high” to sad and hopeless?

• Are you keyed up and anxious all the time?

• Are you having nightmares about something that happened in the past?

• Do you suffer from unexplained aches and pains?

The screenings and information sessions are being held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 31 in the Morrow Building. Students also can call Diane Ellis, director of counseling, at 307-7284 for more information.