What to know about managing depression and behavioral health conditions

Staying on top of your medications

As we head into the colder months, our days are becoming shorter and darker. This may affect our mood and our energy levels – especially for those who are diagnosed with depression or a mental health condition. Hospitalization or treatment for depression or mental health conditions can increase during this time. Below are important ways to partner with your healthcare provider if you have been treated or hospitalized for depression or any other mental health condition.

Take your Medications as Prescribed

It can sometimes take up to four to six weeks to see the effects of medication prescribed for behavioral health conditions like depression. Watch how you’re feeling while you’re taking these drugs so you can tell your provider if your symptoms worsen or don’t improve, or you are experiencing side effects that you cannot tolerate. If you’re not feeling any change, you may need to try a different medication. Some people need to try a few different medications before they find the right ones. If your symptoms worsen or you think you are experiencing side effects, call your provider right away. Also, talk to your provider before you stop taking your medication. Stopping certain medications suddenly may result in discontinuation syndrome.

Coordination of care

Whenever you are hospitalized and/or treated for depression or a mental health condition, be sure to go to all follow-up appointments scheduled for you by your providers. Be sure to let your provider know, what medications you are taking so they can appropriately monitor effectiveness or side effects. Tell your provider about other providers you are seeing, as well as any treatment plans you may have with those providers. Sharing these details can help your providers coordinate your care so you can get the most out of your treatment.

Find a provider

If you need to find a mental healthcare provider or doctor, log in to members.bcidaho.com, select Find a Provider from the homepage and then filter your provider results by using the Browse by Category drop-down filter.

Sources: Mayo Clinic, FDA, National Institute of Mental Health

Posted: December 29, 2021