Page 17 - Ft. Irwin High Desert Warrior, Nov. 2, 2018

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Women and depression
High Desert Warrior 17 November 2, 2018
News
by Military Health Systems Communications Office
Imagine having feelings of worthlessness or helplessness. Imagine being unable to sleep, feeling restless and irritable much of the time, or even hiding under the covers afraid to face the day. Many who suffer from depression may not be able to concentrate at work or perhaps even get to work. Those experiencing high- and low-functioning depression know such feelings all too well.
But for women, there are certain times in their lives when a depression diagnosis is more common. Research has shown that hormonal changes at three stages of life—puberty, post- pregnancy, and during perimenopause—may trigger clinical depression.
Dr. Nancy Skopp, research psychologist at the Psychological Health Center of Excellence, described clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, as a depressed mood lasting at least two weeks and marked by a loss of interest in things that once were pleasurable. She noted that this period would contain a clear change from previous functioning. If someone isn’t com- pleting work duties, shows up late for work, or experiences profound fatigue and avoids interaction with family and friends, depression could be the cause.
“Depression symptoms in women often occur around a reproductive event,” said Skopp, adding that there is some evidence that suggests women may have a chronic and recur- rent course with longer and more frequent episodes than men.
Skopp cited statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health showing that 50-80 percent of new mothers may ex- perience the “baby blues,” which usually appear about a week after giving birth and include feeling down, irritability, sleep problems, anxiety, and eating too much or too little. The dif-
ference is that the symptoms are mild and usually resolve in a week or two.
Postpartum depression is much more serious, Skopp said. Between 10 and 20 percent of new mothers experience depres- sion, according to NIMH statistics. Symptoms of extreme sad- ness, anxiety, and exhaustion may make it difficult to complete daily activities as a new mother.
During perimenopause, usually between the ages of 40 and 50, when the ovaries gradually begin to make less estrogen, depressive symptoms combine with menopausal symptoms. Women may also experience other life challenges, such as the demands of caring for aging parents, a change in marital status, health problems, or negative attitudes about aging. Skopp said although men may experience similar stresses at midlife, the vhormonal changes experienced by women may compound such stresses. “It’s a very challenging time,” she said.
Approximately 12 million women in the United States expe- rience clinical depression each year, with one in eight experienc- ing depression in her lifetime, according to NIMH research. This rate of depression corresponds to hormonal changes in women, particularly during these three life stages, suggesting that female hormonal fluctuations may be a trigger for depression. Another trigger may be gender differences between women and men, which may be genetic or involve life stressors and coping styles.
Skopp says research shows women may have a greater ten- dency to internalize in the face of depressive symptoms. Men appear to be more likely than women to cope with such symp- toms through behavioral distraction, such as doing something that takes the mind off depressive feelings. The result appears to be that more active distraction in men may shorten or prevent a depressive episode whereas internalization in women may prolong it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Shanice Williams-Jones
Mental health technicians assigned to the 48th Medical Group Mental Health Flight converse in the hospital reception area at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. The Mental Health Flight is one of many resources available to assist with depression and other mental health concerns.
reports that between 2013 and 2016, 10.4 percent of women experienced depression compared to 5.5 percent of men.
“Being in the military can magnify the depression triggers one might experience in the general population,” said Navy Cmdr. Paulette Cazares, associate director for mental health at the Naval Medical Center San Diego.
“The benefit of seeing depression as any other illness allows service members to realize the necessity of early treatment, and the ability to stay focused on career and personal goals,” Cazares said. “Psychotherapy or antidepressant medications are first-line options to treat depression and reduce chances of a relapse. Meditation and yoga as therapy have also been used successfully to alleviate depressive symptoms.”
If you have symptoms of depression, talk to your health care provider. A loved one showing symptoms should be encouraged to speak to a health care provider as well. Military OneSource also has resources and information available for service members and their families.
Take Command: TRICARE Open Season begins Nov. 12
by TRICARE.mil Staff
Do you want to make enrollment changes to your or to a family member’s TRICARE health plan for 2019? Your chance is around the corner during TRICARE Open Season. However, if you want to keep your current health plan, you don’t need do anything during TRICARE Open Season. Your current coverage will continue automatically as long as you remain eligible.
Open season is an annual period when you can enroll in or change your health care coverage plan for the following year. TRICARE beneficiaries will experience open season for the first time between Nov. 12 and Dec 10, 2018. TRICARE Open Season will happen each year from the Monday of the second full week in November to the Monday of the second full week in December. Enrollment choices made during this period will take effect on Jan. 1.
During TRICARE Open Season, you may enroll in or change your TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select health plan. Any changes you make will be effective Jan. 1, 2019. If you remain eligible and make no changes during TRICARE Open Season, then you’ll stay in the same plan for 2019. You may also change your type of enrollment during open season, for example switching from individual to family coverage.
Outside of the TRICARE Open Season period, you may still enroll in or change between TRICARE PrimeA managed
care option available in Prime Service Areas in the United States; you have an assigned primary care manager who provides most of your care.TRICARE Prime and TRICARE SelectStarting on January 1, 2018, TRICARE Select replaces TRICARE Standard and Extra. TRICARE Select is a self- managed, preferred provider network plan. TRICARE Select is a fee-for-service option in the United States that allows you to get care from any TRICARE-authorized provider. Enrollment is required to participate. TRICARE Select plans within 90 days after you or a family member experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). A QLE is a certain change in your life, which may mean different TRICARE options are available to you. If you want to change your coverage to TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, and you’re eligible, a QLE allows you to do that.
Whether during TRICARE Open Season or following a QLE, you have three ways to make an enrollment choice:
• Online: Go to the Beneficiary Web Enrollment website (stateside only)
• By phone: Call your regional contractor
• By mail: Mail your enrollment form to your regional
contractor
• TRICARE Open Season doesn’t apply to the
premium-based plans listed below. These plans offer
continuous open enrollment throughout the year: • TRICARE Retired Reserve
• TRICARE Reserve Select
• TRICARE Young Adult
• Continued Health Care Benefit Program
Also, TRICARE Open Season doesn’t apply to TRICARE For Life. TRICARE For LifeMedicare-wraparound coverage for TRICARE-eligible beneficiaires who have both Medicare Part A and B.TRICARE For Life doesn’t require enrollment.
Sign up on the TRICARE website for updates about TRICARE Open Season. Look for more information this fall at www.tricare.mil/openseason.
This is your benefit. Take command of your health and prepare for TRICARE Open Season.
For more information go to www.irwin.army.mil