June 2009   In this issue
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You don't have to just live with depression

For the past few months, Beth has found it harder and harder to get out of bed each day. She feels as if life is weighing her down and that even little decisions are difficult to make. Friends and family have noticed changes in Beth’s behavior; she no longer seems to take pleasure in activities she used to enjoy, like shopping and going out for dinner. Now, she doesn’t seem to enjoy anything. Beth is suffering from depression.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is suggesting that all adults be screened for depression. What does this mean for you? The next time you have a doctor’s appointment, your doctor may ask you questions about your mental health.

It’s been known for years that depression is a big problem. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, major depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. In any year, over 20 million Americans have a mood disorder. Depression decreases quality of life, increases health care costs, and contributes to billions of dollars in lost workdays per year.

 

And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Many people who are depressed don’t even know that’s what’s wrong. And many people don’t want to admit they need help for their depression so they go untreated. In response to these problems, the USPSTF gathered experts together to find the best ways to identify people who are depressed. They decided that patients should be routinely screened for depression and given medical care if they show signs of depression. They suggest that doctors ask these two questions as a good place to start:

  1. Over the past two weeks, have you ever felt down, depressed, or hopeless?
  2. Over the past two weeks, have you felt little interest or pleasure in doing things?

If you answer “yes” to either question, your doctor may want to do further evaluation.

We offer a Depression Health Management Program that can help you learn more about depression, give you referrals to useful services, and support you during difficult times. When you enroll in the program, you will receive newsletters full of valuable information about depression as well as important information about community resources. You may also be eligible for telephone support.

If you have recently started a medication for depression, you may receive a phone call from us. Please consider enrolling in this program. It can help you. For more information, call toll-free at 1-888-777-8754. TTY/TDD users can call 1-877-877-3580.