To help students learn about anxiety disorders, their symptoms and effective treatments, the Counseling Center has planned free anonymous anxiety screenings. The screenings will be available at the Counseling Center on Feb. 8-12, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Ceres Hall room 212. Faculty or staff who have concerns about any of their students should feel free to refer them to the screening. Appointments are suggested. Students may schedule a screening appointment by calling the Counseling Center at 1-7671.

Symptoms of anxiety may include worrying all the time, being afraid in social situations, anticipating your next panic attack, have trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating or headaches for no apparent reason. It is estimated that between 5 percent and 15 percent of the population will suffer from an anxiety-related disorder at some point in their lives, but according to counselors at NDSU's counseling center, the good news is there are treatments that can help.

All screenings are anonymous. The screening program takes up to an hour, and includes an educational video, an anonymous written self-test, a meeting with a mental health professional, free informational materials on anxiety disorders and a referral for further evaluation and treatment if indicated.

Online screening also is available. Go to www.ndsu.edu/counseling for instructions. According to the online screening results, seeking further evaluation and treatment may be suggested. Students can make an appointment for a consultation by calling 1-7671 and bringing the results of the survey to the appointment.

For more information about anxiety disorders and the anxiety screening week, go to www.ndsu.edu/counseling.