If you’re one of the many people considering help for depression, your primary care provider is a good place to start.

Take the First Step

As a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois member, you can start by talking to your doctor or primary care physician about your feelings and emotions. A depression screening can help. Your doctor can refer you to mental health services for depression. Remember, there is nothing wrong with getting help. Reach out when you feel like it’s hard to handle things on your own.

Let Us Help You

When you need help, just knowing where to start makes a big difference. Call the number on your member ID card. Let us know how we can assist you. Conversations can be translated to Spanish over the phone if you need assistance.

Understand You Are Not Alone

Depression is a serious medical illness. It goes beyond sadness or feeling like a dark cloud is hovering over you. Depression is not part of growing pains. It’s not about laziness. It is a disorder of the brain.

Depression can develop at any age, but it often begins in teenagers and young people. It is much more common in women, and is one part of bipolar disorder.  

According to MedlinePlus,  if you are one of the millions of teens and adults in the United States who have depression, the feelings do not go away. These feelings can continue to affect your life.

Symptoms may include:

• Feeling sad or "empty"
• Losing interest in favorite activities
• Overeating or not wanting to eat at all
• Sleeping too much or not enough
• Lacking the energy to do things
• Experiencing aches and pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems
• Feeling hopeless, irritable, anxious or guilty
• Thinking about death or suicide    

If you are thinking about suicide, please seek medical care. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.  

There Is Hope

Remember, depression is treatable if diagnosed. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one, reach out for help today.

Sources:  Major Depression,  MedlinePlus, 2023; Suicide,  MedlinePlus, 2024; Bipolar Disorder,  MedlinePlus, 2023

Originally published 9/19/2016; Revised 2019, 2022, 2024