Since Rosie O'Donnell, Mariah Carey and A.J. Mclean all went public about their depressions, the recent flood of information in the media about the illness is no surprise.

The illness is not limited to celebrities, however. Former Penn State student Timothy Michael Kulp, who was charged with assaulting students in Mifflin Hall last month, committed suicide while being held at Centre County Prison. Kulp's family said he had been battling depression.

During the summer, the airwaves and headlines were full of information about Andrea Pia Yates. Yates was charged with killing her five children and attempting suicide. She also reportedly suffered from depression.

"Depression is more than just the blues," said Mary Anne Knapp, clinical social worker and staff member of Center for Counseling and Psychological Services. "Some people will get down after an upsetting event. Depression is more than that."

There are many signs that indicate a person is depressed. They include extreme sadness over an extended period of time, withdrawal from friends, lack of energy or concentration, suicidal tendencies or feelings of hopelessness.

Determining the root of depression can be difficult, but some data indicates the problem might be biological.

"If there's a family member with depression or bipolar disorder, that increases your chances of getting depression," Knapp said. "Even some medical conditions (such as) sports injuries can lead to depression. People are used to being active and will feel a loss when they can't be active anymore."

Mourning can also be a catalyst for depression. Some people have trouble moving on in the grieving process.

"I believe it's good for everyone to get comfortable talking about suicide," Knapp said. "That's the first step. If you suspect someone is depressed, ask him or her about it. Ultimately, it's a person reaching out, and that's the best way to aid the problem."

When someone feels alone and isn't sure what to do, he should discuss the situation with someone he trusts.

"Talking about your problems so they don't get bottled up will help," Knapp said. "Then, you won't feel alone. If you're dealing with a loss, death, break-up or lack of self-esteem, talk about it."

CAPS will sponsor a depression screening day from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3 in the HUB-Robeson Center Heritage Hall. "We've done it the past few years," Knapp said. "It's a national effort. It's a way for students to get more information. Sometimes people come in who are worried about a friend, and others just want to learn more about depression."

Brian Newhard (freshman-engineering) understands the importance of getting help after dealing with depression himself.

"For a while, I had a stigma about going," he said. "I didn't think that I needed professional help. Eventually, I did seek help after a friend suggested it. They helped me work through my situation. I was confused about what I was feeling."

Other students said they were on the other side, helping friends work through problems. "I talked to them," said Ryan Bradbury (freshman-animal biological science). "I'd like to think that I gave them help; whether it worked or not, I'm not sure."

Bradbury might have helped more than he thought, Knapp said. "I think people being willing to talk about it and not categorize it as a weakness helps the situation," she said. "The more they learn about it, the more comfortable they will feel talking about it."

Many college students develop depression when they deal with adjustment and a completely new situation. "Sometimes people think college will solve their problems, but what they don't realize is that it adds other problems that people don't think about or prepare for," Knapp said.

There are campus resources for students who feel they might be depressed or who want more information. One is CAPS, located in 221 Ritenour. "We have crisis appointments so students can get in without waiting," Knapp said.

Another resource is Lion Support, a group of peer counselors. Its office is located in 215 HUB-Robeson Center and is open from 5 p.m. to midnight. The number is 863-2020.

CAN HELP, a 24-hour help line, 1-800-643-5432, offers a mobile team that can come to a person in need.