Depression
Depression is a common, but serious, medical illness. It can negatively affect how you feel, think, and act. It may be feelings of sadness or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. Depression may also lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. It can decrease your ability to function at work and at home. Luckily, it is also treatable. We’re here to help.
Risk Factors
These factors can play a role in depression:
- Brain chemistry: Differences in certain elements in the brain may contribute to symptoms
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Genetics: It can run in families
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Personality traits: People with low self-esteem; who are easily stressed; or who are pessimistic may be more likely to experience it
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Environment: Exposure to violence, neglect, abuse, or poverty can make some people more vulnerable
Common Symptoms
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. They include:
- Sadness
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Changing appetite (increasing or decreasing)
- Change in sleep patterns: disrupted sleep, insomnia, or sleeping too much
- Have less energy
- Pacing, handwringing, and inability to sit still
- Slowing movements or speech
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Difficulty with concentration or decision making
- Suicidal thoughts
Get Tested
Your provider can do an evaluation. This may include an interview and physical exam. They may order a blood test to ensure depression isn’t due to something else, like a thyroid problem or vitamin deficiency. Your provider will also try to identify symptoms; they may ask questions about medical and family histories. They will also review cultural and environmental causes; the goal is to make a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Manage Depression
For those who suffer, help is available. There are many types of treatments available.
Medication: Antidepressants improve mood. They aren’t sedatives, “uppers,” or tranquilizers; they are also not habit forming. Providers usually recommend a person continue to take medication for six or more months after the symptoms have improved; longer-term maintenance treatment may be suggested.
Psychotherapy: Known as “talk therapy”; it can also be used with medication for moderate to severe depression; this could be one-on-one, couples, family, or group therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This is a form of therapy focused on problem-solving. It helps a person to change thoughts and behaviors to respond to challenges in a more positive way.
Electroconvulsive Therapy: This is a medical treatment for severe, major depression when other ones haven’t worked. It is a brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia.
Self-help and Coping Activities: These self-care activities can improve mood: regular exercise; quality sleep; a healthy diet; and limited or no alcohol use.
Available Resources
Depression is part of our disease management program. We help TRICARE East beneficiaries improve their health through a whole-person care approach.
If you want to set health goals and improve your overall well-being, our skilled staff is ready to help you.
You or your doctor can call us with questions or to join the program at 800-881-9227.
We also have virtual group sessions led by a disease management clinician. These sessions offer education and support. Those who join can share their successes and challenges in exercise, nutrition, and self-management. We hold webinars to help you understand different diseases, which can lead to better treatment and positive changes.
View Our Webinars and Community Groups
What Does TRICARE Cover?
To see what TRICARE covers, visit Mental Health | TRICARE.
Resources
Chronic Illness and Mental Health: Recognizing and Treating Depression
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Psychological Health Center of Excellence
Seasonal Affective Disorder Brochure
Teen Depression: More than Just Moodiness
Last Updated 5/23/2025