Feeling DOWN lately?

More than just a bout of "the blues" or temporary feelings of grief or low energy, depression can have a significant impact on your enjoyment of life, work, health and the people you care about.

Symptoms of depression

If five or more of these symptoms are present every day for at least two weeks and interfere with routine daily activities such as work, selfcare, and childcare or social life, talk to your doctor. If you continue having thoughts about death or suicide, seek treatment right away.

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed
• Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
• Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Appetite and/or weight changes
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
• Restlessness, irritability

Take a confidential online quiz about depression

• Interactive Tool: Are You Depressed?  Visit the Preferred Care online Health Encyclopedia to go step by step through this interactive quiz.

(Click on the “find out whether you may be depressed” link at the bottom of the Web page to start the program.)

Depression is usually treated successfully with professional counseling, antidepressant
medication, or a combination of the two. If you think you may be depressed, don't lose hope. Remember, depression is a treatable disorder.

Need more information about depression and how to deal with it?

Preferred Care members have the option of seeking mental health services without a referral from a doctor. If you do not go through your doctor, you must call Preferred Care’s Behavioral Health Member Line (see below) to receive initial authorization for non-emergency (not life threatening) situations. When you call, you will be connected with a licensed clinician who will help you get the right mental health services.

Call the Preferred Care Behavioral Health Care Management Team at (585) 327-2477 or (800) 836-1430 weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

From the Spring 2006 Living Well newsletter for Preferred Care Members

Posted: March 2006