Understanding Depression and Seeking Help
Posted on May 23, 2017
Depression is a serious and common mental health condition. You may know someone who has depression or you may have experienced it yourself. You are not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 16 million adults were affected by major depression in the United States in 2015.
The good news is that depression is treatable when diagnosed by a medical professional, and treatment is effective and can help resolve depression symptoms within months.
As a Health New England member, you have access to a variety of behavioral health services and coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of depression through your health plan.
What is depression?
Depression is more than a bad mood or feeling sad for a short period of time. Depression can cause severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, working or interacting with others. Symptoms usually last for two or more weeks.
Depression can be caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Personal or family history of depression
- Major life changes, trauma or stress
- Certain physical illnesses
- Certain medications
(Source: www.nimh.nih.gov)
Symptoms of depression
If you or a loved one has been experiencing some of the following symptoms most of the day, almost every day for at least two weeks, it may be time to reach out for help. It could be depression.
- Persistent sad, anxious or empty mood
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure doing activities or hobbies
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Moving or talking more slowly
- Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping, waking early or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment
(Source: www.nimh.nih.gov)
Be aware that not everyone with depression experiences every symptom. Some people experience only a few symptoms while others experience many. Symptoms may also vary depending on the stage of the illness.
To learn more about this and other information on depression, visit the National Institute of Mental Health website at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml.
Help is only a call away
If you or a family member is experiencing symptoms of depression, be assured that there is help. Depression is treatable. Contact your primary care provider (PCP) with your concerns.
You can also call Health New England’s Behavioral Health Department and speak with one of our Behavioral Health Coordinators at (413) 787-4000, ext. 5028.
All Health New England members have coverage for Behavioral Health services through their Health New England health plan. For questions about coverage, call Health New England Member Services at (413) 787-4004 or (800) 310-2835 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Learn about Health New England’s other Behavioral Health and Care Management services at http://healthnewengland.org/care-management.
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