Anita H. Clayton, M.D.
Chair, Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences
University of Virginia School of Medicine

Depression can negatively impact all aspects of a person’s life, from interpersonal relationships at home and in social circles to productivity at work. Untreated depression can last for a year or longer. There are effective treatments, but for any treatment plan to be successful, it has to be followed. You can learn to advocate for your (or your loved one’s) care to find the personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals, preferences, and priorities and boosts your likelihood of sticking with it.

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What is the goal of depression treatment? At a minimum, treatment should alleviate symptoms. Increasingly, however, people living with depression, their families, and their providers should expect more, that optimal care should result in both abatement of symptoms and recovery of function. That is to say, people with depression should be able to live their lives in a way that is symptom-free and allows them to participate in their chosen life activities and relationships.

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Susan Weinstein, JD
Editor in Chief, Care for Your Mind

It’s hard to make good decisions when you don’t have good information. And in a system where healthcare providers have less and less time to provide the information necessary for good decision making, it falls to individuals and their supportive family members and friends to be proactive in getting the information they need for making informed healthcare decisions.

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One thing is sure about depression treatment: it’s not one-size-fits-all. And it never should be.

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Susan Weinstein, JD
Editor in Chief, Care for Your Mind

Primary Care Providers (PCPs) are usually the first clinicians to treat a person’s depression. Family caregivers can enhance treatment outcomes by providing information to the clinician and support to the person living with depression. Families for Depression Awareness’ new video provides tips for working effectively with PCPs for the benefit of your loved one and your family.

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Susan Weinstein, JD
Editor in Chief, Care for Your Mind

This Friday, January 25, 2019, is the deadline for submitting your comments to help preserve access to the spectrum of drugs for treating health conditions like depression, schizophrenia, cancer, HIV, and epilepsy and supporting organ transplants for people on Medicare.

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Chuck Ingoglia
Executive Director, Partnership for Part D Access

One of Medicare’s key patient protections – the six protected classes – is under threat by a new proposal from the Trump Administration. Feedback from the public will be critical in deciding whether or not they move forward — that’s why it’s essential that you let your voice be heard.

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Susan Weinstein, JD
Editor in Chief, Care for Your Mind

The Trump Administration has proposed a new rule that would change Medicare Part D, removing the requirement that Part D prescription plans cover “all or substantially all” medications in six “protected” classes: anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antineoplastics, antipsychotics, antiretrovirals, and immunosuppressants. Why does this matter to us?

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