Stress becomes a part of life, and due to stress, many lifestyle diseases can happen to anybody, such as hypertension and depression etc. Recently we have witnessed the spread of contagious coronavirus around the world, and many countries imposed nationwide lockdowns to control the outbreak of the covid-19 virus. Many people have complained of mental health problems like stress, anxiety, depression etc., due to being confined in the home. The country faced dire circumstances as countless people experienced mental health problems. Stress, lack of physical activity and low social interaction significantly affect depression. Let us find out whether health insurance plans in India cover depression.
What is Depression?
Depression is also known as clinical depression. It is a mental health disorder that makes the patient feel sad, depressed and lack of energy. Depression also affects the patient's relationships with their loved ones. People suffering from critical illnesses like cancer, diabetes, asthma, heart disease etc., may be more prone to adverse effects from depression. Depression is aggravated by many other factors like workload, interpersonal relationships, peer pressure, insufficient social interaction etc. Therefore, receiving the proper medical care at the right time is essential to reduce the impact of people feeling their lives are not worthy.
Symptoms of Depression
Generally, men, women, and children have different symptoms of depression. Below mentioned are the common symptoms of depression:
Symptoms in Men
- Aggressiveness
- Insomnia
- Irritation
- Restlessness
- Anxiousness
- Constant headache, fatigue, stomach problems
- Feeling sad and hopeless all the time
- Misuse of drugs and alcohol
- Lack of interest
- Poor concentration
Symptoms in Women
- Lack of interest
- Suicidal thoughts
- Irritation
- Anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Less talking
- Not getting proper sleep
- Change in weight
- Increased cramps
- Constant headache
Symptoms in Children
- Digestive problems
- Loss of energy
- Lack of concentration
- Laziness
- Constant crying due to irritation
- Not going to school or meeting friends
- Change in grades
- Sudden weight gain or loss
Diagnosis of Depression
You need to contact your doctor as soon as possible if the above mention symptoms occur. There is no specific test available in the country that can diagnose depression. But there are some ways to check if you are suffering from depression. You just need to consult a good psychologist who will ask you random questions related to your appetite, sleep, mood, etc., then prescribe you medicine accordingly.
Treatment of Depression
People with depression need to improve their lifestyles along with medical treatment. Proper medical treatment and lifestyle therapies will help you to overcome depression. Below mentioned are some of the common medicines that your psychologist may prescribe you:
- Anti-anxiety pills
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotic medication
Some lifestyle therapies can help you if you are suffering from depression. Below mentioned are some of the therapies that you can do to reduce the impact of depression:
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Psychotherapy
You can consult any psychologist to overcome negative thoughts.
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Light Therapy
You can sit out in light as it shows signs of improvement in mood and reduces the depression symptoms.
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Alternative Therapy
Various other exercises can be very beneficial in reducing the symptoms of depression, such as acupuncture, meditation, etc.
Is Depression Covered Under Health Insurance?
Yes. Depression is covered under health insurance plans in India. Many health insurance companies in India cover the treatment cost of depression of the policyholder. As we know, depression is a type of mental illness or mental disorder, and it is covered under the mental health insurance plan. According to the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India (IRDAI) guidelines, all health insurance companies must cover mental illnesses under health insurance plans.
Waiting Period For Depression
Health insurance plans provide coverage for depression only after a waiting period of 2-4 years. The waiting period for depression can vary from plan to plan and company to company. While buying a health insurance policy, depression will be considered a pre-existing disease and will be covered after the waiting period specified in the policy document.
Tips To Prevent Depression
The following are some of the tips to prevent depression:
- Sleep uninterruptedly for 7-8 hrs daily
- Try not to take the stress
- Regular social interaction is essential
- Regular exercise is crucial
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Conclusion
Every year a large number of people die of depression in India. It is a very common mental disorder affecting young and senior citizens. It can affect the daily development of any person, and their life is adversely affected by this mental disorder. So we should not take depression easily and try to treat this mental disorder as soon as possible.