Blue Care Network of Michigan: Depression program

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Depression management program

For more information call:
877-469-2583
TTY 800-481-8704
Seven days a week
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time

Depression is a medical condition that is both common and treatable. Depression can leave you feeling hopeless, worthless and unable to cope. It can be triggered by:

Stressful life events
Physical illness
Medications
Hormone levels
Alcohol or drug abuse

Sometimes, you might not know why you are depressed. If you find yourself struggling with feelings of sadness, unrelieved stress or fatigue that won’t go away, there is help.

Signs of depression

See your physician or behavioral health professional if you experience five or more of the following symptoms for more than two weeks:

Persistent sad or anxious mood
Sleeping too much or too little
Changes in weight or appetite
Loss of pleasure or interest in activities
Feeling restless or irritable
Persistent physical symptoms that don’t respond to treatment
Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
Thoughts of suicide or death (contact a medical professional immediately)

Treatment for depression

Your primary care physician can help by evaluating your symptoms and by giving you a physical exam to rule out other health conditions or medications as the cause. Treatment may include antidepressant medication and psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy or counseling).

To speak with a behavioral health care manager, call 800-482-5982, TTY 800-257-9980. Care managers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You do not need a referral from your primary care physician to call.

Using antidepressant medications

Medications can improve your mood and relieve symptoms by restoring the proper balance of chemicals in the brain. Antidepressants are not addictive and will not change your personality. Some important information to remember while taking a new antidepressant medication:

Antidepressant medication usually takes three to four weeks to begin working and may take up to six weeks to start working in people age 65 and older.
If your medication doesn’t seem to be working, check with your doctor. Most often your medicine just needs more time to be effective. Occasionally, your doctor may need to change the dose or prescribe a different medication.
It is important that you take your medication exactly as your doctor has instructed. Never stop taking your medication or change your dosage until you have talked to your doctor—even if you start to feel better.

Also keep in mind that if someone other than your PCP prescribes medication for you, it’s important to notify your PCP. He or she should be aware of all the medications you’re taking including over-the-counter and herbal preparations.

Depression Management Program

Our Depression Management Program is available to all our members 18 and older who have been diagnosed with depression or prescribed an antidepressant medication. Participants will be enrolled automatically based on our records. For more information about the Depression Management Program, call 800-392-4247, TTY 800-257-9980, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).

page modified 09/29/2009