Seasonal transitions can bring about a range of emotions. These may include excitement but also anxiety related to family challenges/dynamics and financial impact as well as depression due to a recent (or not-so-recent) loss of a loved one. According to a 2023 study, around two in five (41%) of U.S. adults said their stress increases during the holidays compared with other points in the year. Financial concerns were most often cited as a cause of stress during the holidays, with 58% of U.S. adults saying that spending too much or not having enough money to spend causes them stress. This was followed by finding the right gifts (40%) and the stress of missing family or loved ones during the holidays (38%).¹

During the upcoming holiday season, primary care providers may encounter patients who are experiencing seasonal depression. These providers can address their patients’ symptoms during office visits and develop treatment plans that best align with their patients’ needs.

We want to help

As part of our strategy for integrating behavioral health with primary care, we created a Depression Action Plan tool to share with your patients when antidepressant medications are prescribed.

Developed with a clear and concise depression management plan, this tool provides patients diagnosed with depression with support and education to successfully start an antidepressant medication and locate resources after their visit. This tool is also available in Spanish.

Available resources

Patients can call the Behavioral Support Line at 800.274.7603 (option 1)to speak with a behavioral health specialist who can quickly identify the right resources to support them.²

Questions?

Please email ECCFeedback@CignaHealthcare.com or call 800.274.7603 (option 2).

For more information about behavioral health integration practices within Cigna Collaborative Care^®, read this article in the Provider Newsroom.

1. American Psychological Association. “Even a joyous holiday season can cause stress for most Americans.” American Psychological Association. 30 November 2023. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/11/holiday-season-stress.
2. Resources, programs, and/or services vary based on the patient’s plan benefits. Provider types may include social workers, counselors, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists.