Managing your health when you have a chronic illness is not easy. There may be days when you just don't feel like doing the things you need to do to stay healthy. It's normal to feel this way sometimes, but if the feelings don't go away, you might be depressed.
Below you will find the most commonly asked questions about depression:
What is depression?
Depression is a disease that involves the body, moods, and thoughts. It may affect the way you eat or sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you look at things. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression. If no physical problems related to your illness are found to be causing these symptoms, an evaluation can determine if treatment for depression is needed. Seeking an evaluation for depression is an important part of managing your chronic medical condition effectively and improving the quality of your life. Most depressive symptoms can be reduced or eliminated with proper medical care. Your doctor may conduct the treatment or may refer you to a mental health professional in your area.
How will I know if I'm depressed?
Some of the signs of depression are:
- Feeling very sad or "blue" for two weeks or more
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Loss of pleasure in doing things you used to enjoy
- Feeling tired all the time
- Loss of appetite or increase in appetite
- Losing weight or gaining weight
- Difficulty falling asleep, waking up often during the night, wanting to sleep more than usual
- Feeling irritable, guilty, hopeless, or worrying a lot
- Thoughts about death or suicide (if you are experiencing this symptom, seek immediate help)
Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you are depressed. For example, having difficulty sleeping could be related to your chronic medical condition. But because these symptoms could also be signs of depression, it is important that you discuss any symptoms that you are experiencing with your doctor. Depression is not the same as a passing "blue" mood. It is not a sign of a personal weakness or something you can just "will" away. People who are depressed cannot simply "snap out of it." Without treatment, symptoms can last weeks, months, even years.
What causes depression?
Some types of depression run in families, suggesting that depression can be inherited. However, many people without any family history of depression also become depressed. Additional factors - stresses at home, work, or school - often trigger depressive symptoms. Serious losses such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, and financial setbacks can also result in depression. Stress may be a primary factor in why people with chronic illnesses have higher rates of depression than the general public. Having to deal with a serious condition can take a heavy toll on you, and may result in depressive symptoms.
Treatment works
Remember: There is effective treatment for depression. Many people experiencing depression have been helped by mental health professionals using different forms of psychotherapy or "talk therapy." Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, helps correct negative thoughts and actions in order to lift your mood. Taking antidepressant medication is another effective treatment that may be recommended. For most people, a combination of therapy and medication is the most effective approach. Treatment will be individualized to meet your specific needs and symptoms.
If the doctor says I'm depressed, what can I do about it?
1. Take all your medications, including your antidepressant medications as prescribed.
- Let your doctor know how medications are working.
- Report any side effects to your doctor.
- Be patient when taking an antidepressant. Remember that it takes at least a month or two for you to get the full and long-lasting benefits of these medications. Sticking with it can pay off.
- Never stop taking antidepressant medications or taper off without first talking with your doctor. Even if you feel better, continue taking your medications as directed until you can discuss changing them or discontinuing them with your doctor.
2. Work closely with your doctors and mental health professionals.
- Keep your appointments, even when you are feeling better.
- Follow the directions and suggestions of your doctor and your mental health professional.
- Allow your doctor and your mental health professional to talk to each other to improve your care.
- Learn all you can about depression and your condition.
3. Take good physical care of yourself.
- Eat right.
- Get the right amount of physical activity.
- Reach out - talk to someone in your family, a friend, or counselor.
How do I schedule an evaluation for depression?
To speak with a mental health specialist, contact Blue Shield's Mental Health Service Administrator. A staff member will help you find a specialist in your area. HMO and PPO members call (877) 263-9952; CalPERS members call (866) 505-3409. Your personal physician should also be able to conduct an evaluation for depression and refer you to a mental health professional in your area. Blue Shield Medicare Advantage members: Contact your Personal Physician to receive an evaluation and/or a referral to a mental health specialist in your area.
If you have questions, call Member Services at (877) 263-9952 or [TTY/TDD (800) 424-6004] Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays. Not all services may be covered by your health plan, so check your Evidence of Coverage/Certificate of Insurance before accessing care.
Managing your health when you have a chronic illness is not easy. There may be days when you just don't feel like doing the things you need to do to stay healthy. It's normal to feel this way sometimes, but if the feelings don't go away, you might be depressed.
Below you will find the most commonly asked questions about depression:
What is depression?
Depression is a disease that involves the body, moods, and thoughts. It may affect the way you eat or sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you look at things. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression. If no physical problems related to your illness are found to be causing these symptoms, an evaluation can determine if treatment for depression is needed. Seeking an evaluation for depression is an important part of managing your chronic medical condition effectively and improving the quality of your life. Most depressive symptoms can be reduced or eliminated with proper medical care. Your doctor may conduct the treatment or may refer you to a mental health professional in your area.
How will I know if I'm depressed?
Some of the signs of depression are:
- Feeling very sad or "blue" for two weeks or more
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Loss of pleasure in doing things you used to enjoy
- Feeling tired all the time
- Loss of appetite or increase in appetite
- Losing weight or gaining weight
- Difficulty falling asleep, waking up often during the night, wanting to sleep more than usual
- Feeling irritable, guilty, hopeless, or worrying a lot
- Thoughts about death or suicide (if you are experiencing this symptom, seek immediate help)
Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you are depressed. For example, having difficulty sleeping could be related to your chronic medical condition. But because these symptoms could also be signs of depression, it is important that you discuss any symptoms that you are experiencing with your doctor. Depression is not the same as a passing "blue" mood. It is not a sign of a personal weakness or something you can just "will" away. People who are depressed cannot simply "snap out of it." Without treatment, symptoms can last weeks, months, even years.
What causes depression?
Some types of depression run in families, suggesting that depression can be inherited. However, many people without any family history of depression also become depressed. Additional factors - stresses at home, work, or school - often trigger depressive symptoms. Serious losses such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, and financial setbacks can also result in depression. Stress may be a primary factor in why people with chronic illnesses have higher rates of depression than the general public. Having to deal with a serious condition can take a heavy toll on you, and may result in depressive symptoms.
Treatment works
Remember: There is effective treatment for depression. Many people experiencing depression have been helped by mental health professionals using different forms of psychotherapy or "talk therapy." Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, helps correct negative thoughts and actions in order to lift your mood. Taking antidepressant medication is another effective treatment that may be recommended. For most people, a combination of therapy and medication is the most effective approach. Treatment will be individualized to meet your specific needs and symptoms.
If the doctor says I'm depressed, what can I do about it?
1. Take all your medications, including your antidepressant medications as prescribed.
- Let your doctor know how medications are working.
- Report any side effects to your doctor.
- Be patient when taking an antidepressant. Remember that it takes at least a month or two for you to get the full and long-lasting benefits of these medications. Sticking with it can pay off.
- Never stop taking antidepressant medications or taper off without first talking with your doctor. Even if you feel better, continue taking your medications as directed until you can discuss changing them or discontinuing them with your doctor.
2. Work closely with your doctors and mental health professionals.
- Keep your appointments, even when you are feeling better.
- Follow the directions and suggestions of your doctor and your mental health professional.
- Allow your doctor and your mental health professional to talk to each other to improve your care.
- Learn all you can about depression and your condition.
3. Take good physical care of yourself.
- Eat right.
- Get the right amount of physical activity.
- Reach out - talk to someone in your family, a friend, or counselor.
How do I schedule an evaluation for depression?
To speak with a mental health specialist, contact Blue Shield's Mental Health Service Administrator. A staff member will help you find a specialist in your area. HMO and PPO members call (877) 263-9952; CalPERS members call (866) 505-3409. Your personal physician should also be able to conduct an evaluation for depression and refer you to a mental health professional in your area. Blue Shield Medicare Advantage members: Contact your Personal Physician to receive an evaluation and/or a referral to a mental health specialist in your area.
If you have questions, call Member Services at (877) 263-9952 or [TTY/TDD (800) 424-6004] Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays. Not all services may be covered by your health plan, so check your Evidence of Coverage/Certificate of Insurance before accessing care.
For more information
National Institute of Mental Health
Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration's National Mental Health Information Center
NAMI
Mental Health America
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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