DEPRESSION ~ ANXIETY ~ STRESS LIFE INSURANCE & UNDERWRITING ISSUES  Life Insurance with Mental Health Issues Depression ~ Anxiety ~ Stress   If you have a history of Depression, Anxiety or Stress a broker may still be able to help you obtain life or critical illness insurance - although maybe not on standard terms. There are some critical factors involved that will determine your ability to obtain coverage & your information is always treated with the utmost privacy by the insurer or broker.   What is Depression ~ Anxiety ~ Stress ? In essence, 'depression' is a general feeling of 'sadness' or a 'negative frame of mind'. In fact, 'anxiety' and 'stress' are maybe 2 two different words to describe the same experience. The symptoms of anxiety and stress are driven by the same chemical reaction; stress is a normal response to a threatening situation and anxiety is largely caused by worry. If there is one difference between anxiety and stress, it is that anxiety is usually perceived as more short-term, whereas stress can last for weeks, months, or even years.  There are usually 2 main types of treatment available: "talking treatments" (counselling or psychotherapy) and "medication" (anti-depressants such as Prozac),   Depression is quite a common condition, and about 15% of people will have a bout of severe depression at some point in their lives. However, the exact number of people with depression is hard to estimate because many people do not get help, or are not formally diagnosed with the condition. Women are twice as likely to suffer from depression as men, although men are far more likely to commit suicide. This may be because men are more reluctant to seek help for depression. Depression can affect people of any age, including children. Studies have shown that 2% of teenagers in the UK are affected by depression. Depression affects people in many different ways and can cause a wide variety of physical, psychological (mental) and social symptoms. Symptoms of Depression ~ Anxiety ~ Stress - Life Assurance : Losing interest in life & work - Finding it harder to make decisions - Not coping with things that used to be manageable - Exhaustion - Feeling restless and agitated - Loss of appetite and weight - Eating too much and gaining weight - Difficulties getting to sleep - Drinking too much - Skin & Hair reacts badly - Higher heart rate - Sweaty palms - Panic Attacks - Churning stomach. Life Insurance - Types of Depression Mild Depression  Mild depresion has some impact on your daily life. Moderate Depression  Has a significant impact on your daily life.   Severe Depression  Could lead to suicide, heavy drinking. Reactive Depression eg; if you get divorced, a family member dies, stress or bullying at work. Seasonal Adjustive Depression ie; SAD due to low melatonin, long dark nights & winters. Dipolar Manic Depression includes both high and low mood swings, as well as a variety of other significant symptoms not present in other depressions. Post Natal Depression  After child women may suffer this for several weeks, months or even years Post Traumatic Stress Disorder eg; occur after soldiers experience traumatic events in battle. Premenstrual Syndrome Depression PMS is a complicated disorder that can trigger depression or be influenced by symptoms of depression. Depression & Life Insurance Underwriting  In order to check the severity of your Depression, Anxiety or Stress, Insurers are likely to request a GP or Medical Report expecially if you are requesting additional options over and above just pure lifecover. Note non-disclosure of your actual true mental health state, may make any plan claim void & the insurer is not obliged on death or illness for the life insurance payout or to refund any premiums paid if this was deliberately not disclosed.  What do Life Insurers look for - when Underwriting a History of Depression ~ Anxiety ~ Stress  ? It would depend on the type of Depression, Anxiety or Stress and its severity. For Life and Critical  lllness Cover most insurers would view each case on an individual basis before making a decision. However the likely decision for cover maybe a substantial premium rating or even decline in the most severe cases. Note that decisions may vary quite dramatically between insurers so please contact us for help & advice. History - What happened in the past? How severe is the Depressive problem now & how does this affect you day to day ? Did you take any time off work ? Medical Records - What do your medical records say about you?  Have you developed medical problems as a result of Depression, Anxiety or Stress?  Treatment - What did this involve; medication or psychiatric treatment. Did this involve going to hospital ? If tablets, how strong is/was the dosage ?   Family History - Do your parents or brothers or sisters have a history of Depression also? If so what type ? People with a family history of depression are more likely to experience depression themselves. For help with Depression, Anxiety or Stress issues why not visit   www.depression.com      www.samaritans.org     www.depressionalliance.org * ( * Note: You are now leaving the regulated site of Uk Life Insurance Quotes. Neither ourselves, nor Sesame Ltd, is responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within the linked site.)  Have Depression, Anxiety or Stress & looking in 2012 to compare Life Insurance products against other Uk Insurers - including Life cover, decreasing (mortgage protection) or level term life insurance, Life with Critical Illness and Income Protection.  > Need a Competitive Life or Critical Illness Insurance Quote ? FOR PROTECTION PRODUCTS WE USUALLY OFFER FROM A LIMITED PANEL OF PROVIDERS For products with an investment element we will introduce you to an authorised adviser