Depression symptoms, treatment and health plan benefits

Depression is a common and serious mental health condition. It can affect how someone feels, thinks, sleeps, eats and works. Learn more about the signs, treatments and types of depression.

Overview

Depression is common and treatable if diagnosed early. However, many people do not get help for depression because they’re not aware of the warning signs. You can visit your family doctor or you can find a doctor who treats depression and is in your Blue Cross or Blue Plus health plan network.

What are the signs of depression?

The following symptoms can be minor or severe. If you notice these symptoms and they last for at least two weeks, you should see a health care provider to determine if it’s depression:

  • Feeling sad for no apparent reason
  • Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
  • Trouble falling asleep or sleeping much more or less than usual
  • Loss of energy or feeling more tired than usual
  • Having feelings of low self-esteem, worthlessness and/or guilty for no real reason
  • Problems concentrating or making decisions
  • Eating more or less than usual or changes in weight
  • Thoughts of death or suicide may occur in severe cases

How is depression treated?

The most common ways to treat depression are medications and/or counseling. You can see your family doctor or seek counseling from:

  • A psychiatrist – A medical doctor (MD) who talks about your symptoms and concerns with you and can prescribe medicine if you need it.
  • Licensed Mental Health Professional – Has either a Doctorate degree or Master’s degree such as psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors who will treat emotional and mental suffering, but typically cannot prescribe medication.

Most cases can be treated by your family doctor. He or she may also prescribe you medicine. Additional things you can do to help manage depression include:

  • Exercise
  • A healthy diet
  • Meditation
  • Avoiding alcohol

Types of depression

There are many different types of depression. It’s important to discuss all your symptoms with a doctor so he or she can decide on the right treatment plan. Some types of depression include:

  • Persistent Depressive Disorder – A patient may experience major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms that last for at least two years or longer.
  • Perinatal (Postpartum) Depression – This begins after a woman has a baby, and may last for many months. It involves feelings of extreme sadness and anxiety and changes in energy, sleep and appetite.
  • Psychotic Depression – These symptoms are severe. Patients have delusions or hallucinations and feelings of guilt or illness.
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder – The symptoms are similar to depression but only happen during the fall and winter when there is less sunlight. Symptoms improve in the spring.
  • Bipolar Disorder – A brain disorder that causes extreme and intense emotions called manic or depressive states.

Coverage

Health plan coverage for depression

Blue Cross and Blue Plus health plans typically cover mental health services. Coverage may be different for each plan and for inpatient or outpatient services. It’s best to call customer service at the number on the back of your ID card to get details about your plan's mental health benefits.

Most plans also cover medications to treat depression. Check your prescription drug benefits, including the formulary (the list of covered drugs), to make sure your prescription is covered.

Some Blue Cross plans include online treatment programs

Some Blue Cross or Blue Plus plans offer online programs that are lower-cost options to help treat the symptoms of your depression.

  • Learn to Live is an online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program covered by some Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota plans. This program starts with an online assessment, and then patients complete courses for specific conditions to recognize the problem and teach them how to better manage it.
  • Doctor On Demand is an online service. You can visit with a licensed psychologist or board-certified psychiatrist by using the video feature on your phone, tablet or computer. Mental health providers are available by appointment for help with depression.

Please contact the customer service number on the back of your ID card to verify coverage.

*Not all plans offer Learn to Live or Doctor On Demand. Some members may not have access to this program. Please contact customer service with the phone number on the back of your Blue Cross ID card to verify your coverage.