Depression

What is depression?

Depression is an illness. It can cause intense emotional and physical symptoms. It affects your total health and well-being. If you’re struggling with depression, you may experience:

• Sadness or hopelessness that won’t go away
• Loss of interest in activities you’ve always enjoyed
• Physical signs like pain or feeling unusually tired
• Suicidal thoughts

Depression can be difficult to recognize–and hard to talk about. Find help. Find hope. Find your words.

Is it more than depression?

Depression can happen alongside other issues and conditions, including:

• Illnesses like anxiety (an unusual level of worry or nervousness)
• A chronic condition, such as diabetes
• Physical, sexual, and/or domestic abuse

Learn more about anxiety, chronic illness, and other factors that may contribute to depression.

How can I find out if I may have depression?

If you’re 18 or older, you can take this self-assessment quiz. You can also get more information on care and resources. This is not a substitute for talking with your doctor, who can help you with treatment.

How can I help myself?

Self-care can often make a big difference. If you’re struggling with depression:

• Use healthy thinking tools
• Learn how exercise can help
• Empower yourself with meditation
• Try some breathing relaxation exercises
• Use these health tools to help you make decisions or take action to improve your health

Try some apps developed by the Center for Behavioral Health Intervention Technologies, at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. They are free from Google Play, and include:

• Thought Challenger, to reinforce positive thoughts
• iCope, for encouraging and reassuring messages you create
• Purple Chill, for exercises on mindfulness, muscle relaxation, and visualization
• Slumber Time, to get a better night’s rest with a bedtime checklist, sleep diary, and customizable alarm
• Daily Feats, to help you incorporate worthwhile and productive activities into your day

Kaiser Permanente members have access to digital mental health and wellness tools at no charge. Check out this page for a 1-year subscription to Calm or myStrength. You also can call a health coach for 6-month subscriptions to Headspace, Whil, SilverCloud, Woebot, or Thrive.

What if I need help right now?

If you feel like you can’t cope, life is very difficult, or your life isn’t worth living, get help now.

For quick attention:

• If you’re a Kaiser Permanente Northwest member, call Kaiser Permanente Behavioral Health Crisis at 503-331-6425 or 1-866-453-3932. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Caring, experienced Kaiser Permanente team members will evaluate your situation and find the right care for you.
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (available 24 hours a day). Local crisis workers will listen and help.
  • 1-800-273-8255
  • 1-800-799-4889 (TTY for hearing and speech impaired)

Depression and abuse

People who live with abuse often struggle with depression. If someone is hurting you, tell your doctor or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE to get help.

Are there any other ways I can get help?

As you deal with your depression, a health coach can offer support along with coping strategies.

We encourage you to learn more about our health coaching sessions.

Looking for more?

If you’re a Kaiser Permanente Northwest member, you can discuss treatment needs or set up an appointment by calling the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Department, 503-249-3434 or 1-855-632-8280.