Over 18 million adults in the United States suffer from undiagnosed depression, according to Blue Cross Blue Shield, and often depression can occur for no reason at all.

Stressful events such as sudden life changes, physical illness and medication can all trigger depression.

As part of National Depression Screening Day, professionals from the Memorial Health Center at SMU are hosting an educational program today from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. to create more campus awareness of the disease.

“A lot of the students may not know the difference between being sad and depressed,” Mary Skidmore-Gibbs, an assistant at the health center, said. “This program will not only provide attendees with the chance to learn about depression, but about other mental health services available on campus.”

Those who attend will have the opportunity to hear staff professionals talk about the causes, symptoms and treatments of depression, followed by a short video.

Participants may also choose to complete an anonymous, written screening test for depression, which will include the opportunity to discuss the results with a mental health professional.

In less than 30 minutes, one can attend the entire program, according to Skidmore-Gibbs, who added that attendees can either take advantage of the whole program or parts of it.

College students can be one of the main groups affected by depression, according to Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Many students believe depression to be a sign of weakness, thus making them hesitant to seek diagnosis or treatment.To those hesitant to seek help, Skidmore-Gibbs said this:

“This day and age it’s more acceptable [to seek help] than it use to be, plus it’s part of taking care of yourself,” she said. “I think people have more respect for others that take care of themselves.”

-Jessica Savage contributed to this report