Depression

Source: Johnson JG, Harris ES, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW: The Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents: Validation of an instrument for the assessment of mental disorders among adolescent primary care patients. J Adolescent Health 30:196–204, 2002.

If you are feeling depressed, we still recommend a complete assessment by a behavioral health professional. Health Choice can connect you with a behavioral health professional for a complete assessment and treatment recommendations. Please call us at 1-800-322-8670.

Here are some warning signs:

• Hopelessness; feeling like there’s no way out
• Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, mood swings
• Feeling like there is no reason to live
• Rage or anger
• Engaging in risky activities without thinking
• Increasing alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from family and friends

If you are having an emotional crisis or know someone who is at risk of physical harm, hurting themselves or someone else, call the Behavioral Health Crisis Line immediately at 1-844-564-HOPE (4673) or text 4HOPE (44673). You can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance-related, and/or mental health crises, or any other emotional distress.

Once you are connected to any of the hotlines via phone, text, or chat, a crisis counselor listens to you, works to understand how your problem is affecting you, provides support, and shares resources that may be helpful. Crisis lines are confidential and are available to anyone at no cost, regardless of insurance.

Call 911 if:

• You are concerned about harming or hurting yourself or someone else
• Thinking about killing yourself, or looking for ways to take your life
• You or someone else has overdosed