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Let’s get to the “tough conversation” part and define what depression is:Depression is a common and serious medical health condition that negatively affects how you feel, think and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, working or interacting with others. Many Americans are experiencing increased stress, depression and anxiety over the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and stay-at-home orders.Depression is more than a bad mood or feeling sad for a short period of time. Symptoms usually last for two or more weeks.Depression can be caused by a combination of factors, including personal or family history of depression; major life changes, trauma or stress; certain physical illnesses or certain medications.The Honest Truth: Opening up about depression can be very difficult and overwhelming. Often times, people tend to put these conversations off from others because they are embarrassed about asking for help, don’t want to burden others with their problems or don’t want to feel judged or treated differently. However, the key steps in the recovery process are talking about it and asking for help.But guess what?According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 16 million adults were affected by major depression in the United States in 2015. The good news is that depression is treatable when diagnosed by a medical professional, and treatment is effective and can help resolve depression symptoms within months. As a Health New England member, you have access to a variety of behavioral health services and coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of depression through your health plan.
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If you or a loved one has been experiencing some of the following symptoms most of the day, almost every day for at least two weeks, it may be time to reach out for help. It could be depression.
Be aware that not everyone with depression experiences every symptom. Some people experience only a few symptoms while others experience many. Symptoms may also vary depending on the stage of the illness.
As part of our commitment to improve the health and lives of the people in our communities, Health New England offers behavioral health coverage to all of our members, including children and adolescents. Our Behavioral Health programs include mental health, depression and substance use disorder services. In addition, we offer social case management. Our Behavioral Health for Children and Adolescent (BHCA) services include the following: intensive community-based acute treatment, family stabilization team, intensive care coordination, in-home behavioral services, and mobile crisis intervention. For more information about our programs, visit healthnewengland.org/behavioral-health.
*Teladoc Behavioral Healthbenefit applies to fully funded groups, Health Connector members, and some self-funded employer groups. Not all employer groups participate in the Teladoc benefit. Please check your plan materials for details and cost share information.