Behavioral health is vital to our overall well-being, and understanding the connection between chronic disease and depression is especially important. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), individuals living with chronic disease (a condition that lasts at least a year and requires ongoing medical attention or limits activities or daily living or both) are at an increased risk of developing depression. This can be due to stress, changes in the brain, or side effects of medications. When depression and chronic illness occur together, symptoms of both can become more severe.
Depression can also increase the risk of developing certain ch
ronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, chronic pain, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, watch for these common signs of depression. Not everyone with depression experiences all symptoms. These symptoms can significantly interfere with daily life and well-being.
If you need support, you have options:
- Manet Patients:
- Contact your Manet site to schedule an appointment with a member of our Behavioral Health team.
- Join Open Access Hours to connect or reconnect with our behavioral health services. You can meet with a case manager during these sessions and develop a personalized care plan. Open Access is available to Manet patients on a first-come, first-served basis:
- North Quincy (110 West Squantum St.): Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Taunton (1 Washington St.): Fridays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Statewide Resource (you do not need to be a Manet patient):
- Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL): Get 24/7 support and access to the full range of mental health and substance use services in Massachusetts in over 200 languages.
- Call or text: 833-773-2445 (BHHL)
- Chat online: masshelpline.com
- Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL): Get 24/7 support and access to the full range of mental health and substance use services in Massachusetts in over 200 languages.
If you or someone you know is struggling with or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In life-threatening situations, call 911.