How to Deal with Holiday Depression

Overwhelming Sadness Is Not a Normal Part of the Aging Process
By: CareMore Health Plan
 
MODESTO, Calif. - Dec. 11, 2014 - PRLog -- Some people think sadness is a natural part of aging. After all, as people get older, they are more likely to have health issues or lose loved ones, and the holiday season can sometimes make this grief even more acute. In these instances, sadness can be normal. But it’s more than the holiday blues when it persists to the point that it regularly interferes with daily life.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines depression as a persistent sad, anxious, or empty feeling, or feeling of hopelessness. According to a 2007 report, about seven million adults 65 and older (roughly 15 to 20 percent of that population) are affected by depression. Despite its prevalence, depression is often not recognized or treated because people are ashamed to discuss it. They may view depression as a personal weakness or character flaw. Left untreated, depression can delay recovery or worsen the outcome of certain illnesses and even lead to suicide. Although many people assume that the highest rates of suicide are among young people, white males age 85 and older actually have the highest suicide rate in the United States, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

“Holiday expectations can make depression patients feel pressured to feel joyous and cheerful, even though in reality, for many people, it is a very stressful, and sad time of the year,” says Dr. Ricardo Young, Regional Medical Officer for CareMore in Modesto and Turlock. “For those with depression or anxiety, remember to be patient and communicate with your family about your feelings and limitations on social activities.”

Dr. Young offers these steps to determine whether or not depression treatment is right for you:

Get Screened. Routine screening can successfully identify people who are depressed and direct them to appropriate treatment. Medicare covers the cost of depression screening in a primary care physician’s office, as long as the provider has resources to follow up with appropriate treatment and referrals. Additionally, depression screening is covered in CareMore’s “Welcome to Medicare” visit and “Annual Wellness Visit.” Depression is evaluated with a screening tool, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire, or PHQ-9, which includes questions about the patient’s mood, energy, appetite and sleep habits.

Consider Treatment. When someone has been diagnosed with depression, their doctor may prescribe antidepressant medication for them. Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans, like those administered by CareMore, cover most anti-depressant medications. This includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which affect the brain’s neurotransmitters. Since different medications affect different neurotransmitters, it may take time to find the one that works best, so it is important to be patient. Take the medication as prescribed and watch for any side effects, such as trouble with balance. To be safe, remove all fall hazards from the home. Drug copays may apply. Low-income members may qualify for extra help with payment for their drugs.

Dr. Young notes that many prefer talk therapy to medication. Talk therapy can be effective in treating mild to moderate depression. Therapy also can effective when combined with medication. Medicare typically covers visits with mental health experts, including a psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist or a clinical social worker. Copayments or coinsurance may apply. Talk to your doctor about a referral for therapy.

Be Active. Exercising three times a week can be effective in relieving major depression among seniors and decreasing the chances of depression returning, according to a study by Duke University Medical Center. Walking, gardening, dancing and swimming are all good forms of exercise. Many MA plans include a free gym membership as well as classes with other seniors.

Avoid Alcohol. It’s not uncommon for seniors to self-medicate with alcohol as a way of coping with loneliness or chronic pain. However, alcohol is actually a depressant that can compound depression. Medicare provides outpatient substance abuse counseling for people who need help to quit drinking.

“There are a many resources available to people who feel that they might be experiencing feelings of depression,” said Dr. Young. “Don’t be afraid to go out there and get the help you need. The awareness and support system for depression has grown exponentially in the past decade.”

Some Medicare members have access to a behavioral health service through their plan. In other instances, this benefit can be purchased for a small premium. Community mental health centers and social workers also may be able to provide services.  To learn more about services provided by CareMore, visit: www.caremore.com.

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 ABOUT CAREMORE

CareMore, a subsidiary of WellPoint, has developed a model of care that is known for identifying the physical, mental and social needs of older adults and other populations and developing innovative programs to successfully address them. The company serves more than 70,000 Medicare members throughout Southern California, Northern California, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz., and Richmond, Va., under federally-approved Medicare Advantage contracts. CareMore also is participating in a dual demonstration project in parts of Los Angeles County, in conjunction with state and federal regulators, to coordinate care for people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Additionally, CareMore operates a medical group and offers its proven clinical and health technology models to third parties through various subsidiaries.

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Source:CareMore Health Plan
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Tags:Caremore Health Plan, CareMore, Holiday Depression, Depression, Seniors
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Location:Modesto - California - United States
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