Health Insurance Policy Cover Depression

Due to the recent pandemic witnessed by the world, several countries imposed nationwide lockdowns to prevent the spread of contagious coronavirus. As a result of this phenomenon, many people have come out with the complaint of mental health issues like stress, anxiety, depression, etc. due to their home confinement. It emerged as an alarming situation in the country due to the culture of work from home paired with no physical activities. As an aftermath, incalculable people suffer from mental health issues. Depression, being the most common one amongst all, is triggered hugely by stress, no physical activity and lesser social interactions. Let us find whether depression is covered under the health insurance policy in India.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mental health disorder that makes the patient feel low on energy and sad, stripping them of the will to carry out their mundane daily tasks affecting their daily life activities. Depression also affects the relationship of the patient with their loved ones. Depression can be more harmful to those who are suffering from some chronic health diseases like cancer, diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular, etc. Workload, personal relationships, peer pressure, poor social interaction, and other factors contribute to depression. So, it is important to take the right treatment at the right time to minimize its effects that make people feel like their life is purposeless.

Health Insurance Companies

Symptoms of Depression

Symptoms of depression in men, women, and children are different. Take a look at the common symptoms of depression.

1. Symptoms in Women

   • Anxiety
   • Irritation
   • Lack of interest
   • Constant headache
   • Suicidal thoughts
   • Less talking
   • Not getting proper sleep
   • Loss of appetite
   • Increased cramps
   • Change in weight

2. 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

3. Symptoms in Children

   • Constant crying due to irritation
   • Laziness
   • Sudden weight gain or loss
   • Not going to school or meeting friends
   • Change in grades
   • Lack of concentration
   • Digestive problems
   • Loss of energy

Diagnosis

Your doctor will be able to diagnose depression by checking the symptoms and carrying out physical examinations. There is no specific test available to diagnose depression. The doctor might ask you some questions related to your mood, appetite, sleep, etc., and might tell you to undergo a test to identify the deficiency of vitamin D or thyroid.

Treatment

People who are depressed can benefit from proper treatment and thus improve their lifestyles. Combining medical treatments and lifestyle therapies can help you in getting the best results to overcome depression. Listed below are some of the medications that your doctor may prescribe for you:

• Antidepressants
• Anti-anxiety pills
• Antipsychotic medications

There are numerous therapies other than medical treatments that can help a patient suffering from depression.

• Psychotherapy :

  The patient can speak with professionals who can help the patient in overcoming negative thinking.

• Light Therapy :

  It is proven that when exposed to white light many patients have shown signs of improvement in mood and reduction in depressive symptoms.

• Alternative Therapies :

  Acupuncture, meditation and exercise can be beneficial in depression. You can also take natural supplements to reduce the symptoms of depression.

Is Depression Covered Under Health Insurance

Several health insurance companies cover depression under their plans. They provide financial assistance to the policyholder to pay the expense related to the treatment of depression. It is covered under mental health insurance plans. Insurance Regulatory & Development of India (IRDAI) has instructed the insurance companies to include mental health insurance plans in their offerings.

Does Depression Come With a Waiting Period?

Depression is a mental illness and it always comes with a waiting period. It will be covered only after a waiting period of 2-4 years and it will vary from company to company and plan to plan.

Tips to Prevent Depression

Below mentioned are some tips to prevent depression:

• Regular exercise
• 7 to 8 hours of sleep
• Finding informed solutions to the scenarios that trigger stress on a regular basis
• Having regular social interactions

Conclusion:

Depression is an extremely common illness in our country and a large number of people die because of it every year. It is of utmost importance to recognize and treat mental diseases as soon as possible as they impede an individual's daily growth and put a disastrous impact on their lives.

Policyholders might include psychiatric diseases in their health insurance plans before buying them to get sufficient coverage in the event of a diagnosis.