Living with depression

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that causes you to feel sad, lose interest in activities that you used to enjoy, withdraw from others, and have little energy. It's different from normal feelings of sadness, grief, or low energy. It affects people of all ages. Depression can also cause people to feel hopeless about the future and to even think about suicide. It is not a character flaw, and it does not mean that you are a bad or weak person.

Check out some videos:

• Depression is very common
• Depression: How it affects your body
• Counseling for depression

Visit the Healthwise® Knowledgebase to learn more. Healthwise® provides information on what depression is and how it is treated, offers health tools and self-care tips, and shares stories from other people living with depression. 

Mental and behavioral health resources

Find local resources and support for mental and behavioral health:

• Behavioral and mental health benefits and support
• Get help now: behavioral and mental health resources

Find a mental health provider

Your member benefits include behavioral and mental health care. We have an open network, which means you can visit any behavioral or mental health provider. This includes therapy and some medications.
To find a behavioral or mental health provider search the Hennepin Health provider directory. To learn more about what services are covered, refer to your member handbook.
If you need help finding a behavioral or mental health provider or understanding what services are covered, call Member Services at 612-596-1036 (TTY 711).

Stigma

If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, it’s common to feel different than other people or to feel like no one else understands. Many people are afraid to share with coworkers because they worry that they are afraid of being judged, or worse, that they could lose their job. Even friends and family are often left in the dark, unaware of how symptoms of conditions such as depression  affect our daily lives.

Seven ways you can stamp out stigma

1. Don’t let stigma prevent you from getting the help you deserve. If you need help, contact a licensed professional. Do not be afraid to let others know that you have sought help.
2. Consider joining a support group. It can be normalizing to talk with others who have the same experiences.
3. Reach out to people you trust who can help support you through mental health struggles. You may be surprised by how your sharing can help other people open up about their own challenges.
4. Own your experience. As much as it is safe to do so, be authentic. Speaking up in social situations or on social media can be empowering — for yourself and for others.
5. Educate yourself on mental health topics. Learn the facts about mental health. You can develop understanding and compassion for yourself and educate others.
6. Be mindful of your language. You are not your condition. Use person-first language. For example, instead of saying “I am bipolar,” say “I have bipolar disorder” or “I live with bipolar disorder.”
7. Let people know the language they use affects attitudes about mental health. If you notice insensitive media coverage, write to the media outlet. If you can’t find the right person to reach out to on their website, you can always reach out to them on social media. Be respectful — many people are not trying to be insensitive. They may just be uninformed.

For more information check out these resources: 
Deconstructing stigma 
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Stigma Free