Seniors have many things to think about after retirement, from their physical health to the safety of their homes. For some, making sure they have the right Medicare plan can be a long and drawn-out hassle that comes with confusing terminology, and when an individual is dealing with mental health issues, time is often of the essence. From anxiety to depression, there is an entire spectrum of disorders that many seniors are living with these days, and these feelings can become problematic when it comes to staying healthy. Depression, in particular, can affect a senior over time and lead to much more serious health conditions.

The good news is that there are many ways you can get help with a mental health condition through Medicare. With an Advantage plan, you can see a trained counselor or therapist as well as get the prescription medications you need. It’s important to do a little research into these plans to make sure you can get coverage and to find out whether the doctor you’d like to see is in-network. Think about your specific needs and learn all you can about the plans offered; there are several different variations that all offer a different kind of coverage. Here are a few tips on how Medicare can help you get assistance when you’re living with depression.

Do Your Research

It’s crucial to do a little research to find out more about the plans Medicare offers. Advantage plans are your best bet when it comes to assistance with mental health issues because they provide coverage for clinical psychologists and social workers. Read up online about the different plans offered by Humana, and make sure you understand how open enrollment works. If you already have a Medicare plan, you’ll want to take your future needs into account and make sure you can sign up for mental health coverage if you need it.

Reach Out

One of the most important things to remember when you’re living with depression is that you’re not alone. It can be difficult to go through these feelings even when you have support, so it’s imperative that you reach out and talk to a friend or loved one when you need to talk. Think of this as a way to become comfortable with expressing your feelings, which is a precursor to seeking the assistance of a counselor or therapist.

Know the Warning Signs

Medicare can be an invaluable resource, but it won’t help if you don’t understand what you’re going through. Knowing the warning signs of depression and how they are most commonly treated is very important, so do some research and read up on how to recognize that your feelings or behavior are signaling something that may be outside of your control. You’ll also benefit from understanding what the triggers for depression are in seniors: most commonly, the loss of a loved one, children moving out, and major life events such as moving into a nursing home.

Take Care of Yourself

It can be difficult to take care of yourself when you’re living with depression; many seniors find it hard to sleep, eat, or practice good hygiene, but it’s important to make an effort to keep your body and mind in good shape. This will help you focus on finding help, especially when it comes to cutting through the “brain fog” that depression can cause so you can pinpoint the right therapist or counselor for your needs.

When you’re battling a mental health disorder, it’s easy to feel isolated and completely alone, but there is help waiting for you if you know where to look and how to ask. Doing a little research will allow you to find the right coverage for your needs; if you don’t understand what you’re reading, ask for help from a friend or loved one.