BROWNFIELD — West Texas Centers is recognizing Depression Awareness Month this October by encouraging Brownfield and Terry County residents to take a few minutes to check in on their mental health.
Throughout the month, the Terry County Mental Health Center will offer free depression screenings Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The screenings are open to anyone who may not have felt like themselves lately, has been feeling down or “blue,” or simply wants to better understand how they are doing emotionally.
West Texas Centers officials say the goal is to make it easier for residents to recognize potential changes in their mood, thoughts, or daily routines and to connect with additional support when needed.
“Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health,” said Rodney Jones, chief executive officer of West Texas Centers. “Sometimes we may not realize how much our mood, thoughts, or daily routines have changed until we take a moment to check in with ourselves.”
Jones added that seeking support should be viewed as part of taking care of one’s overall health.
“We want people to know that reaching out for support is a sign of taking care of yourself,” Jones said. “This October, we invite everyone to stop by one of our 15 mental health centers for a free depression screening.”
West Texas Centers emphasizes that a depression screening is not a diagnosis. Instead, it is a simple opportunity for individuals to evaluate how they have been feeling and determine whether additional support or professional guidance may be beneficial.
In Brownfield, screenings are available at the Terry County Mental Health Center, located at 502 W. Broadway St.
Free screenings will be offered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout October.
For additional information, contact the Terry County Mental Health Center at (806) 637-3206 or visit wtcmhmr.org.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can contact West Texas Centers’ crisis services at 1-800-375-4357.
