Depression

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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's 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.

• Genetics: It can run in families.

• Personality traits: People with low self-esteem, who are easily stressed, or who are pessimistic may be more likely to experience it.

• 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

Testing and Diagnosis

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 an underlying medical condition.

Managing Depression

There are many ways to treat depression, generally cared for with psychotherapy, medication, or both. You can work with a provider to choose the best treatment.

• Psychotherapy or “talk therapy”
• Take medications, if prescribed
• Use Complementary Health approaches

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's 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.

Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. The effects begin soon after you stop smoking, though they're impacted by how long you've been a smoker before quitting.

The effects of quitting smoking include:

• Reduced heart rate
• Improved blood flow to your heart
• Lower risk of heart attack
• Lower risk of coronary heart disease

TRICARE East offers a free program called Commit to Quit, that provides free tobacco and vaping quit. You can reach a nicotine cessation specialist at 877-414-9949 or visit Commit to Quit | TRICARE for more information.

What Does TRICARE Cover?

To see what TRICARE covers, visit Mental Health | TRICARE.

Support and Webinars

Depression management is part of our disease management program for eligible adults. 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 are ready to help. You or your doctor can call us with questions or to join the program at 800-881-9227.

We hold webinars to help you understand depression and other conditions, which can lead to better treatment and positive changes.

View our Webinars and OnDemand topics. 

Resources

Connected Health (DoD)

Depression Brochure

Chronic Illness and Mental Health: Recognizing and Treating Depression

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Perinatal Depression Brochure

Psychological Health Center of Excellence

Seasonal Affective Disorder Brochure 

TRICARE East Commit to Quit - 877-414-9949

Community Resource Directory - Humana Community Navigator by findhelp - Search and Connect to Social Care