Health Plan of San Joaquin | Focus Your Health | Winter 2018

I’ll be OK. I can take care of this by myself. Does that sound like you? Sometimes it’s good to be strong and to do things for yourself. But not when it comes to mental health prob- lems like depression. What is depression? Depression is much more than a low mood. It’s a serious medical condition. Depression can steal the energy from your body and the joy from your life. It can make it hard to get out of bed each morning or care about the things you love. And you deserve better than that. Know this: Depres- sion is treatable. In fact, treat- ment works for up to 9 out of 10 people who seek help for their depression. Feeling down? Get the help you deserve How do I know? Symptoms of depression tend to last for at least two weeks. They can include: ● ● Feeling sad or down for a long time ● ● Losing interest in your usual activities ● ● Feeling tired and out of energy ● ● Feeling empty, worthless or guilty ● ● Sleeping too little or too much ● ● Having trouble thinking or making decisions ● ● Having thoughts of suicide or death If you think you may have depression, tell your provider. He or she can help you get the right type of care. Options can include counseling (talk ther- apy), antidepressant medicines or both. They work very well. Depression hurts those who have it. And it can hurt families and relationships too. But if you have depression, you can feel better—if you ask for help. As a Health Plan of San Joaquin member, you have access to Beacon Health Options. Beacon has a network of doctors and therapists who provide mental health services. Call Beacon at 1.888.581.7526 to connect to a mental health expert today! Source: American Psychological Association Focus Your Health Winter 2018 Standard U.S. Postage PAID Merced, CA Permit No. 1186