National Depression Screening Day is October 8
Posted on September 21, 2023
Although depression is common among older adults, it isn’t necessarily a normal part of aging. Depression is a serious illness and not something to deal with on your own. Treatment is available, which can help improve your quality of life. Recognizing if you or a loved one have depression and seeking help from a medical professional is very important.
Get a Depression Screening with Your PCP
If you have mental health concerns, a great place to start is with your primary care provider (PCP). They can offer an initial depression screening and refer you to a mental health specialist.
Should I Get Screened?
You should get screened for depression if you experience some or all of the following symptoms:
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Feeling down, depressed or hopeless
- Sleeping too little, too much or waking very early
- Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering things or making decisions
Tips to Get Started
- Talk with your PCP: Schedule a visit to talk about your mental health.
- Before your visit: Make a list of your questions, medications (both prescription and over-the-counter), and family history of mental illness – having a close relative with a mental
illness may put you at a higher risk. - Bring a friend or relative: They can take notes while you speak with your PCP to help you remember what was discussed. They can also help by giving your PCP insights on your mental health.
- Be open and honest: What you tell your PCP is private and can’t be shared without your permission, so be honest so they can better assess your needs.
- Ask questions: Make sure to ask about anything you aren’t sure of. It’s okay to have questions or doubts about a diagnosis or treatment your PCP recommends. You can always get a second opinion or ask for a referral to a behavioral or mental health specialist.
“Depression is a common behavioral health issue and it is important to have a depression screening,” said Robert Azeez, Health New England’s Behavioral Health Manager. “Identifying depression early can slow its progression with treatment, which is readily available locally through our network of behavioral health providers.”
Reminder: As a Health New England member, you have Behavioral Health coverage, which includes mental health and substance use disorder. For help finding an outpatient mental health provider, please call our Member Services team toll-free at (877) 443-3314 (TTY: 711) or search our Provider Directory at healthnewengland.org/medicare.
Sources: Mental Health America; National Institute of Mental Health (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/tips-for-talking-with-your-health-care-provider)
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