Depression vs. Sadness: Know the Difference

Depression

Everyone feels sad at some point in their life, but if the sadness goes on for two weeks or more, you may be depressed. Not everyone experiences depression in the same way, but there are some common symptoms:

• aches or pains that have no apparent physical cause or that don't get better with treatment
• changes in sleeping or eating habits, sex drive, weight, or appetite
• confusion or difficulty concentrating
• excessive worrying or fear
• feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
• feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
• feeling sad, empty, or hopeless
• lacking interest in favorite hobbies and social activities
• low energy or increased fatigue
• overuse of alcohol or drugs
• thoughts of death or suicide
• trouble making decisions

Women in various stages of their lives may also have symptoms of depression because of hormone changes. If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms related to menstruation, pregnancy, delivery, or menopause, make an appointment with your Primary Care Provider or OB-GYN.

Depression also often occurs alongside other illnesses. If you’re dealing with any chronic condition – your mental health should always be taken care of at the same time.

Anxiety

Everyone worries from time to time. But if you’re upset or fearful for an extended period or if your fear is intense and excessive, you might have an anxiety disorder.
There are several different kinds of anxiety, including:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – This condition causes anxiety or worry that lasts for at least six months. If you have GAD, you might:

• constantly worry about things you can’t control
• feel restless, on edge or unable to make decisions
• focus on worst-case scenarios
• have a hard time concentrating
• have physical symptoms including fatigue, trouble sleeping, sweating, muscle aches, and stomach issues
• imagine threats

Panic Disorder– This is a more extreme type of anxiety involving sudden panic attacks. Symptoms include:

• feelings of impending doom
• intense periods of fear that come on without warning
• physical symptoms including heart palpitations, racing heart, or chest pain; weakness or dizziness; sweating and shaking; and shortness of breath

Phobia-Related Disorders – This type of anxiety centers around a specific fear. Some of the most common are:

• Acrophobia -- fear of heights
• Agoraphobia -- fear of going outside or leaving your home
• Arachnophobia -- fear of spiders
• Separation anxiety disorder -- a fear of being away from loved ones
• Social anxiety disorder -- extreme self-consciousness or fear of being watched, judged, or being in social situations

People with specific phobias may experience panic, a desire to immediately leave the situation, and physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, and feeling tired.

TRS-ActiveCare Resources

With TRS-ActiveCare Primary, TRS-ActiveCare Primary+, and TRS-ActiveCare 2, you can see in-network mental health providers for a $30 copay without having to meet your deductible. On the TRS-ActiveCare HD plan, you’ll have to meet your deductible before the plan starts covering mental health care.

With all four plans, you can also see a therapist or psychiatrist online or over the phone through Teladoc® (TRS-ActiveCare).

Find an in-network therapist or other mental health provider by calling a Personal Health Guide (PHG) at 1-866-355-5999, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also use the Provider Finder directory (TRS-ActiveCare).

Be sure to check to see if you need preauthorization first. You can find this information in your Benefits Booklet (TRS-ActiveCare) or by calling a PHG.

With the interactive Well onTarget® (TRS-ActiveCare) program, you'll find many resources about mental health, including tips for finding a provider and videos and articles about conditions like depression and anxiety.

TRS-Care Standard Resources

You pay 20% coinsurance after your deductible for many inpatient and outpatient mental health services. You also have access to Teladoc® (TRS-Care Standard) for confidential virtual visits with a psychiatrist, licensed therapist, or psychologist from the comfort of home.

The interactive Well onTarget® (TRS-Care Standard) program has many mental health resources, including tips for finding a provider and videos and articles about depression and anxiety.

Find an in-network therapist or other mental health provider by calling a Personal Health Guide (PHG) at 1-866-355-5999, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also use the Provider Finder directory (TRS-Care Standard).

Be sure to check to see if you need preauthorization first. You can find this information in your Benefits Booklet (TRS-Care Standard) or by calling a PHG.

TRS-Care Medicare Advantage Resources

UnitedHealthcare’s Behavioral Health Services  
Connect with a trained specialist who will listen and help you identify the nature of your problem and find the right resources to address it.  Call at 1-800-453-8440, TTY 711, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Sanvello™ Mobile App
Feeling stressed or sad and want to explore tips on your own, get professional advice virtually or chat with others? Try the Sanvello Mobile app. Track your daily mood, access coping tools, build life skills and connect with peer communities.  

You have free 24/7 premium access when you register using your insurance information. Download Sanvello from the App Store® or Google Play™ to get started today. 

Virtual Behavioral Health Visits 
Have an ongoing mental or behavioral health concern and looking for long-term support from a behavioral health professional? Connect with a licensed therapist, counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist from your computer, tablet or smartphone — any time, day or night.* Services include initial evaluation, medication management and ongoing counseling.  

There are two ways to access Virtual Behavioral Health Visits 

1. On your computer: Visit  www.uhcvirtualvisits.com and set up your account with either AmWell or Doctor on Demand. 
2. On your tablet or smartphone: Download the Doctor on Demand app, or download the American Well app. 

Not sure where to begin or have questions about how to find a mental health provider?  

Contact UnitedHealthcare at 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m.– 6 p.m. CT, Monday– Friday. 

Source: Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance