Depression

Depression is a common, but serious, medical illness. It can negatively how you feel, think, and act. It can cause feelings of sadness or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can 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.

What are the 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

What are Common Symptoms?

Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. They include:

• Feeling sad
• Losing interest in favorite activities
• Changing appetite (increasing or decreasing)
• Changing sleep patterns: disrupted sleep, insomnia, or sleeping too much
• Having less energy
• Pacing, handwringing, and inability to sit still
• Slowing movements or speech
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Concentrating or making decisions is more difficult
• Thinking about death or suicide

What Test Can I Get for Depression?

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.

How Can I Manage my 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.

Are There Any Groups I Can Join?

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

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

Teen Depression: More than Just Moodiness

 

The Case Management Program supports qualifying TRICARE beneficiaries with depression. Our experienced clinicians help you improve how you manage your condition and your overall quality of life. Have questions or want to enroll in the program? Call us toll-free at 800-881-9227.