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Identifying Depression: People often say "I'm depressed" when what they are really experiencing is sadness. Clinical depression is more than just feeling blue or down after a bad day at work or during a difficult period of life.
People who are clinically depressed feel down, sad, or hopeless all the time, for weeks on end, and can experience the following symptoms:
| • | Loss of interest in pleasurable activities | • | Appetite loss or overeating |
| • | Lack of energy | • | Restlessness or irritability |
| • | Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much | • | Thoughts of death or suicide |
| • | Persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, guilt | • | Difficulty thinking clearly, remembering or concentrating well enough to read or watch television |
These symptoms can be similar to the experiences associated with grieving the death of a loved one. However, in depression, these feelings arise without such a loss, or they last much longer than the usual cycle of grief.
Depression may occur along with related conditions such as substance abuse, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or any number of other physical and mental health disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression
Continually updated to provide quick answers to the most commonly asked questions about depression.
Professional Help
There are many pathways to seeking help and learning about treatment for depression. Take the first important step to seeking help, and learn about breaking down barriers to treatment. Find a TRICARE provider, counselor or therapist, and more.
TRICARE Behavioral Health Benefits
The U.S. Department of Defense military health care system offers TRICARE Prime, Extra and Standard benefits to active duty service members, families and retirees. TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based health plan for Guard and Reserve service members and families.
Treatment Options
Review the recommended treatment options for depression. Understand how psychotherapy helps patients learn how to obtain more satisfaction and rewards through their own actions and how to "unlearn" the behavioral patterns that contribute to or result from depression.
Self-Help Resources
Find a variety of patient tools; including fact sheets, videos, books and web sites to help support service members, families and friends in understanding depression and how to get help.
Patient Health Questionnaire
Identify your potential for depression by printing and completing this questionnaire. Discuss any concerns with your PCM.