Depression

Everyone feels sad or blue from time to time, but depression is more serious. Depression is an illness. It can make you feel helpless and sad. It can prevent you from thinking clearly and acting appropriately.

If you have depression, we can help you get the care you need. Symptoms of depression and treatment are different for each person. We want you to live well, and seeing your provider regularly for symptoms of depression is very important.

We have a care management program for members with depression. We will work with you and your provider to get the right treatment and to determine if you are at low risk or high risk for problems related to depression.

If your depression is mild, you will receive information to help you manage your depression. If your depression is more serious, a case manager will call you to see how they can help you.  The care manager will teach you about depression and help you take good care of yourself.

It is important to learn as much as you can about depression. To learn more about our depression disease management program call Member Services toll-free at 1-855-456-9126, TTY/TDD NY Relay 7-1-1.

Are you depressed?

If you have at least three of these signs, you should schedule a visit with a doctor. 

  • Sad, teary or crying all the time
  • You’re not interested in your usual activities or sports
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Always bored, or you have low energy
  • You don’t talk much and keep to yourself
  • You don’t like yourself very much
  • Very touchy about rejection or failure
  • More angry than usual
  • Trouble with friends and family
  • Complaining of headaches and stomachaches often
  • You’re not going to work or not doing as well as usual
  • Can’t focus
  • Eat or sleep a lot more or a lot less than usual
  • Thinking or talking about suicide

Sources:

WebMD
NIMH - National Institue of Mental Health
CDC - Center for Disease Control