An animated circle rolls across the screen and frowns. It’s a commercial for the depression drug Zoloft.

While the rolling Zoloft circle may not be of concern for some students, one out of four young adults will experience an episode of depression before they reach 24, according to the American Psychiatric Association.

And, if left untreated, depression can lead to suicide – the second leading cause of death among college students.

The University Health Center is giving students the tools to combat depression on National Depression Screening Day.

They offer an online self-assessment screening program for depression, bipolar disorder, alcohol problems, eating disorders, generalized anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress.

“A lot of students take it,” said Liz Rachun, health communications coordinator at the University Health Center, regarding the test.

The testing is anonymous and students will receive an immediate result that can be printed and taken to a clinician at Counseling and Psychiatric Services for further evaluation, Rachun said.

“We see probably five students a week (as a result of the screening),” said Gayle Robbins, director of CAPS. “But it’s not utilized as often as I’d like to see.”

The depression screening includes questions about current treatments, energy levels, appetite changes and feelings of hopelessness. The results are brief and suggest students seek counseling or immediate attention at the CAPS center.

“In any situation, we encourage students to talk about what these (results) mean,” Robbins said. In emergency situations, she said, “Even if they take the screening at 10 at night, they can call and talk to somebody right then.”

Symptoms of depression include persistent “sad” or “empty” feelings, loss of interest or pleasure in activities or hobbies once enjoyed, insomnia, restlessness and changes in appetite, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

“Often people are first diagnosed when they reach late adolescents and early 20s,” said Chuck Zanone, associate director of CAPS.

Ten percent of undergraduate University students have seriously contemplated suicide one to 10 times, according to an American College Health Survey in 2006, Zanone said.

Fifty-one percent felt hopeless, which leads to a higher risk of suicide, Zanone said.

“I encourage students to check out our assessment tools,” Robbins said. “The sooner they get assistance, the better.”

After the online assessment, students can set up an appointment starting with a phone screening. This stage is quick and staff members assess whether any speciality services are needed, like psychological testing, Robbins said.

Following the phone screening, students are given an appointment based on their need. For example, students with acute needs will be seen sooner than ones with milder symptoms of depression.

At the initial consultation, students discuss their availability for counseling, receive immediate guidance for issues at hand and also receive choices for community counseling, Robbins said.

Two weeks after the appointment, staff members contact students to see what efforts they made seeking professional help.

“The more knowledge we have about ourselves, the better,” Robbins said.

Students can also set up an appointment at CAPS by calling 706-542-2273. Walk-in appointments are accepted for emergencies from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. An on-call clinician is available 24 hours a day at 706-542-2200.