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Depression Discharge Instructions, Adult


About this topic


Depression is a deep feeling of sadness and loss of interest in things. It affects overall health, life, work, school, and relationships with family and friends. It may be caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain. ‚  
Signs can be: ‚  
  • Deep sadness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in the things you used to enjoy
  • Changes in weight and appetite
  • Problems with sleep
  • Low energy
  • Feeling of uselessness or guilt
  • Trouble thinking or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Take drugs only as ordered. Do not stop drugs unless told to do so by your doctor. Talk to the doctor before taking any other drugs or herbal supplements.
  • If you are taking drugs that cause tiredness, do not drive or run machinery.
  • Your doctor may suggest counseling or support groups that will help.
  • Try to limit stress and give yourself time to rest.
  • Speak with trusted family and friends about your depression and how they can help.
  • Do not smoke or use any street drugs.
  • Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).

What follow-up care is needed?


Depression needs to be watched closely. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Treat low mood
  • Improve sleep
  • Relieve distress and tension

Will physical activity be limited?


Physical activity like sports and exercise may help with recovery. Talk to your doctor about what activity will be good. Ask your doctor if you need help to manage any tiredness the drugs may cause. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. This means: ‚  
  • Eat whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
  • Choose many different fruits and vegetables. Fresh or frozen is best.
  • Cut back on solid fats like butter or margarine. Eat less fatty or processed foods.
  • Eat more low-fat or lean meats like chicken, fish, or turkey. Eat less red meat.
  • Avoid caffeine. Try not to drink soda, coffee, tea, or energy drinks.

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Exercise each day.
  • Try to spend time outside each day. Sunshine can make you feel better.
  • Have a regular sleep pattern where you get 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
  • Learn how to cope with stress. Try talking with trusted friends or family. Guided imagery, yoga, tai chi, or deep breathing may help relieve your signs.
  • Learn about depression and its signs. Then, you can get help early.
  • Join a support group. Learn how others are living well with depression.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else
  • Depression gets worse or is not getting better
  • Problems eating or sleeping continue
  • You have questions about the drugs you are taking

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what may help me relax and ease my stress.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I think about hurting myself or someone else or if my depression is not getting better.

Where can I learn more?


National Institute of Health ‚  
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/depression/aboutdepression/01.html ‚  
National Institute of Mental Health ‚  
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/what-is-depression.shtml ‚  
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Womens Health ‚  
http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/depression.cfm ‚  
World Health Organization ‚  
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs369/en/index.html ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

Copyright


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