As vice president of clinical products and solutions, Ashley Rutter is focused on all things related to specialty products and specialty strategy at Magellan Healthcare – from working on projects like genetic testing and sleep solutions, to developing innovative ways to improve the provider experience. Based out of the Washington DC metro area, Rutter has been with Magellan for five years. Through innovation with developing specialty products, Rutter aims to create solutions that ensure high quality and appropriateness of care in complex specialty areas. Continue reading to learn more about the specialty products Rutter is working on, along with her thoughts on how Magellan’s culture has had a positive impact on bringing those products to fruition.

What projects are you currently working on?

Our product team is focused on developing new verticals in the specialty management space, one of which is genetic testing. Magellan is working with an organization to develop a comprehensive genetic testing solution that includes medical policies, payment integrity solutions, a preferred laboratory program and a utilization management component to cross the entire spectrum of genetic testing. This solution will ensure that the right tests are ordered at the right time and are billed appropriately.

In addition, we are also very focused on leveraging technology and artificial intelligence to drive efficiencies to maximize value for all stakeholders including members, providers, and payers. For example, we are developing solutions to automate the prior authorization process at the point-of-care to reduce the administrative burden on providers.

When we think about the future state of specialty products, we know that there is a tremendous spend across complex conditions such as oncology, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular disease. We have the clinical expertise and experience to be able to make a meaningful impact across those complex and high spend areas. Therefore, the time is right to look beyond utilization management to ensure we’re offering solutions that keep the member at the center of the treatment plan that is designed to support end-to-end management of that condition or episode.

Why is Magellan the best place to do these projects?

We have extensive capabilities and subject matter expertise across our business segments that support innovation. I also think that our clinical expertise is unparalleled, and we have tremendous support from clinical champions across the organization to drive new solutions. In addition, we have strong collaborations in place with some of the most cutting-edge companies in the industry who help to support innovation.

What are your thoughts on the culture at Magellan and how does that culture impact your projects?

The Magellan culture has supported the work that I’m doing with my team by really offering support and expertise given the diversity of experience that folks have within the organization that we can look to when developing new solutions.

The variety of business units across Magellan lends itself to a culture that supports tremendous professional development opportunities. I’ve had the opportunity to work either directly with or get exposure to all segments across Magellan, including specialty, behavioral, pharmacy, and federal and I’ve learned so much from each part of the organization. Magellan is full of mission-driven and incredibly hardworking people with expertise from all over the industry, this really supports a collaborative culture where folks are always learning from one another.

What are some exciting trends in the healthcare industry that you’ve noticed? Based on those trends, in what direction do you see the healthcare industry going in? What lessons are there to learn in other industries that could be applied to healthcare?

Every single person in this country engages with healthcare at some point in time. While the ways that folks engage continues to evolve, the opportunities to improve those experiences are plentiful.  First, digital transformation is incredibly exciting because there is so much opportunity to fundamentally improve the way that healthcare is delivered. By automating systems and processes, we can maximize value for members while driving value across the entire healthcare delivery system. Digital transformation also has the potential to empower healthcare organizations with the data to be able to best serve their members and reduce the administrative burden on providers to allow them to stay focused on treating members.

Virtual care is another trend that has gained so much momentum over the last couple of years with COVID as a catalyst. We can learn so much about member engagement in this new way that care is being delivered. As we think about more comprehensive condition management, we need to be able to leverage some of those best-in-class virtual solutions to meet numbers where they are and deliver the very best care that we possibly can.

Finally, value-based care is an important trend that we must keep front and center of any new solutions on which we are working. We know that we have a tremendous opportunity to supply providers with tools and data to understand the quality of care they are providing to those members. We’re looking forward to continuing to innovate in that space to effectively collaborate with providers on managing the highest cost and most complex conditions and services.

Twenty twenty-two is here, with all its possibilities and opportunities. You may be wondering how you will achieve all of your personal and professional goals this year. Your mental health in 2022 may hold the key to success. Read on for tips from Magellan Healthcare’s behavioral health experts to help you prioritize your mental health in the new year.

1. Spread out New Year’s resolutions over the year – At the beginning of the year, people usually try to accomplish too many resolutions all at once. They are quickly overwhelmed and give up. Instead, create a list of resolutions, or goals, to implement–one per month–over the year. Spreading out goals and focusing on one at a time will feel more consistent with lifestyle change than the usual New Year’s start and stop. – Candice Tate, MD, MBA
2. Plan things to look forward to – Having a daily routine is important for our mental health. It limits the chaos and helps us feel grounded. But it can get boring, especially during COVID-19 when we are closed in. Schedule things to look forward to for the upcoming weeks and months. Maybe schedule a day trip on a weekend, a few hours in the evening to watch a movie, or a phone/Zoom call with an old friend, make a reservation at your favorite restaurant or plan to place a delivery order. Choose things that make you feel good. – Linda Evans, MD, FAPA
3. Limit screen time and media exposure – Social media has been a much needed lifeline for so many of us during the pandemic, but it’s essential that we remember to limit our screen time and exposure to content that can be emotionally distressing or traumatizing. Make a habit of putting your mobile device down and stepping away from your computer to enjoy the people, plants or pets in your environment. Go outside, take a walk, and get some fresh air and sunlight. – Rakel Beall-Wilkins, MD, MPH
4. Learn that “no” is a complete sentence – You cannot pour from an empty cup. Saying yes to every request asked of you when you are already limited on time, energy or resources can increase stress levels. Putting your needs on the backburner is not healthy for you. Being a “yes” person sometimes equates to saying “no” to your own mental health. Recognize not only when to say no, but that you don’t have to feel guilty about it… It’s all about saying yes to you! – LaShondra Washington, MD, DFAPA
5. Measure something – Our perceptions often do not match the reality of a situation but picking something to measure that is related to a concern can help better align our perceptions to reality. And if the results of the measurements indicate that indeed perception and reality are aligned, then continued measurement, after an intervention, can determine the usefulness of the intervention on the measure. In other words, take steps to find out if what is bothering you is really a problem, and if it is, then make a change and reassess. – Louis Parrott, MD, PhD
6. Engage in journaling – Journaling is an effective way to manage stress and feelings. It can be cathartic to write about feelings and experiences. It is also a way to monitor your inner self and when it may be necessary to seek professional help. – Samuel Williams, MD, MBA, FAPA
7. Practice gratitude – Share gratitude with others and write three things you are grateful for every day. According to Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, an internationally known mindfulness advocate, we should ask ourselves three questions each day that relate to our relationships with family, friends, and co-workers: What have I received from __? What have I given to __? What troubles and difficulties have I caused? – Doris Lebischak, MD
8. Establish an attainable plan for regular physical activity and stick to it – Start with one or two days of exercise a week. Plan the days, times, and activities and commit to making it happen. Exercise is proven to reduce depression, anxiety, and negative mood.[1] – Greg Dicharry, CPRP
9. Consider expanding your exercise routine – As we age, our muscles must be challenged to maintain strength. Including strength training, stretching and physical activity that raises the heart rate in our workouts will have an immediate impact as well as long-term benefits for the body and mind. – Paula Hensley, MD
10. Eat a balanced diet with as many unprocessed foods as possible – Include colorful fruits and vegetables and prepare food in healthier ways like steaming and roasting rather than frying. If applicable, include children in meal selection and preparation, and eat at least one meal per day as a family. Try not to place food into strict bad and good categories, and understand that you are not–accordingly–bad or good depending on what you eat. It’s important to eat a balanced diet for your lifestyle. – Misty Tu, MD
11. Prioritize sleep – Push through busy schedules and life’s distractions to maintain eight hours of sleep each night and experience how it helps you think more clearly, feel better and be better able to creatively juggle the multiple demands of family, work, and beyond. – Barbara Dunn, LCSW, ACSW
12. Develop a cue that ends your workday – Whether it is pausing to watch the sunset, moving your body for 20 minutes, or ceremonially closing the door to your workspace, disconnecting from work to focus on rest, joy, or family responsibilities is a necessary way to prioritize mental health in 2022. – Dana Foglesong, MSW, NCPS, CRPS
13. Make sure to prioritize yourself – In a time when kids are home, work is piling up, and there is growing uncertainty in and outside of our homes, it’s unfortunately easy to get lost in all we have going on. But it’s vital we prioritize ourselves. Whether it’s going on a walk or other exercise, meditation, talk therapy, weekly dinner with friends or family… don’t ever forget to put yourself first because your mental health is wealth. – Yagnesh Vadgama, BCBA
14. Ask for help when you need it – Recognize that no one person can do everything. Family, friends, and neighbors can be great resources, so ask for what you need and offer help to them when you can. – Kathryn Kvederis, MD, DFAPA
15. Remember that you are not alone – One in five American adults has a mental illness and one in 18 American adults has a serious mental illness; one in six American youth has been diagnosed with depression.[2] Despite all of the glittery images we may see and our perceptions that others have it better, it’s likely that we have family members, friends, and co-workers who are right there with us when we aren’t feeling our best. – Keith Brown, MD

As we sail into a bright new year, with 2021 in the rear-view mirror, let’s remember to prioritize ourselves and our mental health. We have all experienced the trials and tribulations of a tumultuous previous two years. If we have learned anything, it’s that our mental health in 2022 is what will keep us strong and poised for happiness and success.

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/BH-Resources for free information and tools to address mental/behavioral health needs and spread awareness to reduce stigma. Stay tuned here and on our calendar for updates on our virtual events throughout the year.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470658/

[2] https://www.samhsa.gov/data/release/2020-national-survey-drug-use-and-health-nsduh-releases

While mental health, wellness, and self-care have been trending topics for years, more of us are prioritizing these critical aspects of our lives as the pandemic stressors continue. Change and new challenges are guaranteed in the new year, requiring a full-on commitment to wellness in 2022.

My awakening to the need for improved wellness coincided with a significant mental health crisis. The standard things I had been told to do to feel better for my emotional health were not working. I began the journey to incorporate meaningful wellness practices in all areas of my life. As I learned more about myself and developed a clearer vision for my future self, new facets of my wellness became apparent. I eventually experienced mental health recovery as a result of the shift to a holistic and multi-dimensional focus on wellness.

When Googling wellness, you will find endless lists of tips that would overwhelm just about anyone. So where do you start? Cue the Eight Dimensions of Wellness.

The Eight Dimensions of Wellness model

Over the years, I have found the Eight Dimensions of Wellness model to be beneficial in prioritizing my own wellness and helping others. This model was developed by Dr. Peggy Swarbrick in the 1990s and has been adopted by the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and countless academic and healthcare institutions around the world, including in multiple healthcare disciplines and settings. The 8 dimensions provide a solid framework for us to understand wellness and make meaningful changes to improve our health, happiness, and quality of life.

I had the opportunity to ask Dr. Swarbrick about feedback she receives on real-life application of the model, and she shared that:

“So many people around the country have told me that the Eight Dimensions of Wellness model has been so very practical for them both personally and professionally. I appreciate hearing about how people use the model to view themselves more positively and build on their strengths to accomplish goals and overcome some formidable life challenges.”

An interconnected framework for a wellness focus

Each of the 8 wellness dimensions in the model has an impact on the others. For example, I have experienced the profound interconnection of my occupational health with my spiritual health. I have been amazed by the degree to which my physical health impacts my emotional wellness. If I go a week without practicing Pilates or rowing, my mood worsens, and I am less interested in life activities.

Utilizing a dimensional framework for wellness helps in identifying the greatest needs and desires for focused attention. Without focus, we can end up investing time in wellness activities that don’t impact the area(s) we are trying to improve. For example, if an extra hour of restful sleep is what your body and mind need for wellness, then taking an hour-long bath may not contribute to the desired return on investment.

Learn more to prioritize your wellness in 2022

In 2022, we will be exploring the Eight Dimensions of Wellness through free live webinars and resources to help you dig deeper into your wellness journey and provide you with the tools to support patients, clients, peers, and loved ones in doing the same.

We kicked it all off with a continuing education credit-eligible webinar, “Wellness in 8D: A lens to build resilience,” presented by the Eight Dimensions of Wellness creator, Dr. Swarbrick, on January 27th. If you missed the live event, you can watch the recording here and still earn CE credits. Sign up here to receive emails on our wellness events series and new resources throughout the year.

We hope you will make the choice to prioritize wellness in 2022 and let us join you along the way!

Visit Magellan’s Center for Recovery and Resiliency for announcements about upcoming events, new resources, and links to more free continuing education-eligible training opportunities and information.

Today, Centene Corporation announced that it has completed the acquisition of Magellan Health, Inc. Through this transaction, we are establishing a leading behavioral health platform during a critical time through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Magellan will expand Centene’s reach to provide increased access to behavioral healthcare for our members at a time when so many Americans are struggling with mental or behavioral health issues,” said Michael Neidorff, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Centene. “This transaction establishes a strong foundation from which we will innovate and reimagine behavioral and specialty health to provide comprehensive and integrated healthcare to our members, while generating value for our state partners and shareholders.”

And the need for holistic, comprehensive health management only continues to grow as the pandemic continues.

In December 2020, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) stated in a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report more than four out of 10 adults, 43 percent, suffered from anxiety or depression. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2021 study said 13 percent of adults responding to their survey admitted “having started or increased substance use to cope with stress or emotions related to COVID-19.”

As the nation’s largest managed health care organization, Centene is well-positioned to continue its focus on member-centered care – especially during this time of such great need and demand. The Magellan acquisition enables Centene to provide whole-health, integrated healthcare solutions to deliver better health outcomes at lower costs for complex, high-cost populations.

Centene remains focused on our commitment to shaping a better world of healthcare for our members, providers, state partners, employees, and the communities we serve as we lead the world to a healthier future. Magellan Health will operate independently under Centene’s Health Care Enterprises umbrella. Additional details regarding this transaction are available in this press release.

As a newlywed military spouse fourteen years ago, I was fairly overwhelmed with how much there was to learn about military culture and common military family experiences. Lost in a sea of acronyms and roads named after famous military commanders that I had never heard of, I tried to learn military lingo with the help of Google and new friends. There were also hard realities that I had much to learn about: the stress of deployment and war, the strain of combat experiences on servicemembers, families, and relationships, and shockingly: food insecurity.

Food insecurity is a challenge that I first encountered during a new spouse training on military culture and military family life experiences. At the conclusion of a military resources lesson, a fellow participant piped up, “But you didn’t talk about the food pantries. Someone in this room might want to know where they can get food if they run out.” The military spouse shared information about the local food pantries that they were personally aware of and reached out to when their own family struggled.

It was uncomfortable to hear this. As a young college student who did not yet understand the challenges that many families face in terms of financial challenges, I was taken aback. How can that be true? I remember asking myself. How can it be that families in our own military need to use a food pantry for assistance?

Shortly thereafter, I became a Registered Nurse who cared for military families and witnessed firsthand that food insecurity in the military community is a complex issue compounded by multiple factors, like spouse unemployment, economic inflation, and the everchanging landscape of family expenses needed for daily life. Military families often fall in an income bracket in which they do not qualify for some government nutrition assistance programs, like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP (often referred to as food stamps.) Addressing food insecurity promptly is key: while helping families connect with resources to maintain adequate access to nutrition, the development of the even more serious concern—hunger—can be prevented.

The brave spouse who spoke up to discuss food pantries several years ago was clued into something that remains true for today’s military: food insecurity is a very real challenge that military families face, and a concern that requires a compassionate response from those whose life’s work is to support and care for service members and their families.

It is vital that all professionals who care for military families are aware of the local and military resources available to support military families in times of need. In response to the government’s request to empower Military & Family Life Counseling (MFLC) Program Counselors to address this concern at military installations all over the world, our training team developed a comprehensive food insecurities training. This training informs MFLC Counselors on the challenges of food insecurity, the prevalence of this dilemma, and how MFLC Counselors can respond when food insecurity is identified. This training utilized the survey data from the most recent 2020 Blue Star Families survey to describe food insecurity as a concern that impacts nearly 14% of today’s military families. The recorded webinar available to Magellan Federal MFLC Counselors discusses approved practices to casually inquire about food insecurity when potential warning signs are identified. MFLC Counselors are encouraged to share referral information with MFLC program participants about local and military resources to address any nutritional concerns. MFLC Counselors are experts in the resources available to the military community and play a powerful role in unlocking military families’ access to resources simply by sharing referrals to food pantries, military installation programming, and even relevant government-assistance programs, like Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Our Magellan Federal MFLC team continues to provide prompt and comprehensive responses to the food insecurity concerns that face the military community.  Embracing a compassionate, holistic approach to supporting military families is key to reducing the incidence of food insecurity, and as a result, promoting service member and family readiness to respond to mission requirements.

Military families should connect with an MFLC Counselor on their local military installation for information about available local food insecurity resources in their communities.

We made it through Thanksgiving – hopefully emotionally unscathed. But for many, managing mental health during the holidays is not easy. Whether you deal with anxiety for months leading up to the holiday, your family is plagued with arguments or more subtle discomfort during get-togethers, and/or you are mourning the loss of a loved one and have an empty seat at the table – the holidays can be tough. In fact, in a 2021 survey, 44% of Americans said that preparing for the holidays is stressful and 39% said that family gatherings during the holidays are stressful.[1]

Holiday anxiety

Anxiety is defined by the National Institutes of Health as “a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness.”[2] And why might we feel anxious leading up to what one might consider a wonderous and magical occasion, such as Thanksgiving or a December holiday, with our family? The reasons are endless. It could be a difficult family member we are not looking forward to seeing. It could be that we are not feeling particularly good about ourselves and want to face others. Maybe we are hosting a holiday gathering and worried about getting everything done in time, how much everything will cost and whether everyone will have a good time.

We are barraged with media images of what the perfect holiday looks like, and we may sometimes feel pressure to be happy and festive and live up to expectations.

When we dread an upcoming holiday, it puts a damper on more than merely just that day or specific gathering, but the days, weeks, or even months leading up to it. It is almost like the reverse of excitement or anticipation. But whether we are excited or anxious about something, the actual event often does not live up to our expectations. In the case of holiday anxiety, if we can remember that it may actually end up being better than we think and simply try not to care as much, our anxiety time may be reduced. We can let go of others’ expectations of us and do what truly makes us happy.

Family arguments during the holidays

Yes, most families argue – even during the shiny holidays and behind the scenes of the happy pictures we post on social media. And just when our typical bickering was not enough, our country has become increasingly divided, and it has seeped into our very own families. There are things we can do to prevent the arguments and deal with them in a healthier way when they occur.

You have probably heard the phrase “communication is key.” A lot has changed over the past couple of years and continues to change at a rapid pace. We may think we know how a loved one would like to celebrate the holidays, for example. But their preferences, and our own, may have changed just like so much else has changed.

It’s a good idea to initiate respectful conversations – early in the holiday planning process – with our family and friends to understand where they are coming from on certain issues. It can be a way to identify the topics that should be off-limits during the upcoming holiday gathering and prevent arguments.

During these early conversations and when we’re all together for the holidays, our family members may inevitably do or say something that rubs us the wrong way. At that moment, our reaction will set the course for what comes next. As our feelings come together to form that reaction, why not assume goodwill and the best intentions of the offending person. It may be that their actions and comments reflect the way they feel about themselves and not the way they feel about you.

With so much to disagree about these days, there is also a lot we can agree on. Try to focus on the latter, agree to disagree when possible, and assume that others are coming from a place that is genuinely meaningful to them.

Grief and missing a loved one during the holidays

The pandemic has taken so much from us, including the lives of precious loved ones. The holidays have always been a difficult time to bear when we cannot share them with a lost family member or friend. During this holiday season, you can uphold and honor memories of those you have lost in many ways: Look through photographs of the person and reminisce about holidays of the past; do things you used to do with a lost loved one during the holidays, like cooking or baking a certain recipe, a craft, or decorating; and journaling or talking with others about your feelings.

It can be hard to move on without a person we love, but they would want you to be happy. We will always have their memories during the holidays and beyond, as we carry on with old and new traditions.

We can all agree that it has been another tough year. But we have endured, and it is time to let go of expectations and focus on our mental health during the holidays and how the holidays can be a time to do what makes us happy, spend quality time with those who are important to us and cherish the memories of those we have lost.

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/Holidays for additional information and resources on holiday emotional wellbeing and how to find peace and moments of joy with family and friends this holiday season.

[1] Collage Group Holidays and Occasions Survey, May 2021

[2] https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html

Candice Tate, MD, MBA, serves as a medical director at Magellan Healthcare. Dr. Tate’s treatment philosophy includes a strong physician-patient therapeutic alliance and safe, responsible medication management. Dr. Tate joined Magellan in 2017. She has years of experience in psychotropic medication management for a variety of psychiatric conditions in inpatient and outpatient settings. During her graduate medical training, Dr. Tate was extensively trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy and was supervised by experienced psychoanalysts. She is also familiar with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Dr. Tate graduated from the University of Tennessee Medical School in Memphis and completed her graduate medical education in General Psychiatry at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL. Dr. Tate is a board-certified psychiatrist by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

The holidays can be a joyous time—a time to spend with family and friends, reflect, and be thankful. Yet, for many people, the holiday season can bring on the blues, including feelings of anxiety, stress, worry, and sadness. These feelings may even be worse for those who have experienced divorce, lost a loved one, or are living far away from family and friends.

The holiday blues

A 2014 survey conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that the holidays contribute to feelings of sadness or dissatisfaction. Of those surveyed:

• 63% reported there was too much pressure
• 57% stated they had unrealistic expectations
• 66% reported experiencing loneliness
• 50% were unable to be with loved ones
• 55% found themselves remembering happier times in the past contrasting with the present
• 68% reported feeling financially strained

While the holiday blues are different from mental illness, it can lead to clinical anxiety and depression. It is important that we do not ignore these feelings, especially as we all continue to deal with changes wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic but deal with them in a proactive and healthy manner.

Tips for beating the holiday blues

1. Throw guilt out the window. Try not to put unreasonable pressure on yourself to be happy or enjoy the holidays and avoid overanalyzing your interactions with others. Give yourself an emotional and mental break this holiday season.
2. Be realistic and try not to expect the “ideal” holiday. Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable by not trying to make the holiday “the best.” Be truthful to yourself and others about what you can and cannot do. And remember, nobody has a perfect holiday or perfect family.
3. Give to others. Volunteering somewhere, like a soup kitchen, food bank, children’s group home or facility for the elderly can fill you with feelings of love and pride. You will spend time with others and immerse yourself in the true spirit of the holiday season.
4. Stay connected. Schedule phone calls or virtual gatherings with your favorite folks where you can open gifts together, sing songs and reminisce. Spending time with those who love and value you can be very comforting and help ground everyone involved.
5. Acknowledge the past yet look toward the future. Change is a constant part of life. If your holidays are not like they used to be, it is OK. Cherish the memories and remember everything does not have to be like past holidays for you to enjoy the season.
6. Make a budget. Budgeting at the start of the season for holiday shopping and expenses is one of the most effective ways to alleviate stress. It helps prevent accidental overspending and allows you to manage expectations.

Want more tips for beating the holiday blues?

Visit the Magellan Healthcare holiday emotional wellbeing website for resources to help you find peace and moments of joy this holiday season here.

Men, women, and children. Black and white. Rich and poor. Depression affects Americans from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that one in thirteen of us is living with depression.[1]

• In 2019, nearly 13 million U.S. adults and 2.7 million U.S. adolescents had at least one major depressive episode with severe impairment in the past year[2], including:
  • Almost 10% of females and 6.0% of males[3]
  • Approximately 15% ages 18-25, 9% ages 26-49, 5% ages 50+[4]
  • About 7% Hispanic or Latino, 9% White, 6% Black or African American, 5% Asian, 4%[5] Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, 9% American Indian/Alaskan Native[6]
• About 31% of Americans in poverty and almost 16% of those not in poverty report having been diagnosed with depression [7]

Recognizing signs of depression

Depression is often referred to as a silent illness. Many people who suffer from depression secretly struggle and never seek help. Signs and symptoms of depression include:

• Low mood or increased irritability
• Feeling empty or numb
• Loss of energy or motivation
• Loss of interest in regular or recreational activities
• Feelings of guilt, restlessness, hopelessness, worthlessness or fear
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Changes in appetite or eating behavior
• Poor concentration
• Suicidal thoughts

If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the common risk factors and warning signs associated with depression, online or in-person depression screening is the first step toward improved mental health and wellbeing.

Benefits of depression screening

Screening is a valuable tool in the identification and treatment of depression. One of the most common screening tests for depression is the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Early identification and treatment of depression can:

• Slow its progress
• Improve your physical health
• Prevent years of suffering
• Decrease the risk of death by suicide
• Place you on the path to a happier, healthier life

Visit here to complete the PHQ-8. Once you complete the assessment, be sure to review your results and any recommendations with your doctor.

Who should take a depression screening test?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for depression in the general adult population, including pregnant and postpartum women. Although anyone can develop depression, regardless of their age, ethnicity, or background, depression is more common among people who:

• Have a family history of mental illness
• Have another mental health condition, like anxiety
• Struggle with a substance use disorder, like drug addiction or alcoholism
• Recently experienced a stressful life change or traumatic event

However, anyone who has any signs of depression should take a depression screening test.

Screening and treatment

While screenings are not a professional diagnosis, they do point out the presence or absence of depressive symptoms and can indicate if a referral for further evaluation is needed. You should see your doctor or a qualified mental health professional if you experience five or more depression symptoms for longer than two weeks or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily routine.

Proper treatment of depression has been proven to effectively reduce depressive symptoms, decrease the risk of relapse and recurrence, and decrease emergency department visits and hospitalization rates.

Learn More

Visit Magellan’s Behavioral Health Resources page to learn more about depression and other mental health conditions.

If you’re in crisis or have suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately. Please call 1-800-273-8255 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) or call 911 and ask for help, or go to your nearest emergency room.

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/depression-anxiety.html

[2] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression

[3] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression

[4] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression

[5] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression

[6] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression

[7] https://news.gallup.com/poll/158417/poverty-comes-depression-illness.aspx