Experts across the country are redefining how we treat and diagnose mental health issues, with big implications for patients’ physical health.
It’s perfectly normal to sometimes experience feelings of sadness and grief. But for more than nine million Americans, those feelings just won’t go away on their own. According to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Index – an in-depth collection of data from more than 41 million insured members – major depression is the second leading health condition impacting Americans.
The numbers are particularly alarming in light of their impact on our overall health. People who have been diagnosed with major depression are, on average, nearly 30% less healthy than those who don’t have the disease. Depression is also strongly linked to chronic illness: 85% of those diagnosed with major depression also have one or more serious chronic conditions. Experts say the connection works both ways; chronic conditions are also likely to cause depression.
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