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Depression Discharge Instructions, Child and Teen


About this topic


All people have times of sadness and low mood, even children. These are normal feelings. When a person has a major disappointment or loss, they may feel sad or angry. Then, the feelings lessen over time. When the low mood and sadness lasts for a longer time, it may be depression. ‚  
Depression is a deep feeling of sadness. It limits a persons ability to act normally. The person may not be able to enjoy fun activities, may have feelings of guilt, and may be angry. A person with depression may have changes in feeling hungry and sleep. They may have thoughts of killing themselves or may have even tried it. ‚  
These deep feelings may be caused by a chemical imbalance in their brain. This can be treated with drugs and talk therapy. It is important to know the signs of depression. Then, family and friends can help a child get the treatment they need. ‚  

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 to care for your child.
  • Give your childs drugs as ordered.
  • Do not stop the drugs unless told to do so by the doctor. Talk to your child's doctor before giving your child any drugs or herbal supplements.
  • If your child's drugs cause sleepiness, do not allow driving or running machinery.
  • Your child's doctor may suggest counseling. This may be just for your child or for the whole family. Support groups may help as well.
  • Talking within the family is important. This may help if there is something bothering your child
  • Make trusted family and friends aware of your child's condition and how to help.
  • Let your child's teachers know of the illness. They may help in looking for changes in your child's behavior.
  • Talk to your child about how drinking beer, wine, alcohol drinks, smoking, and street drugs can affect their body. Your child needs to know that using these substances can increase depressed feelings. Do not use these substances around your child.

What follow-up care is needed?


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

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help the signs of low mood
  • Improve sleep
  • Relieve tension or distress

Will physical activity be limited?


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

What changes to diet are needed?


Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. Give balanced meals and make sure your child is eating breakfast. Your child should: ‚  
  • Eat whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
  • Choose many different fruits and veggies. 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?


  • Help your child to exercise each day.
  • Try to spend time outside each day. Sunshine can make your child feel better.
  • Give your child a set bedtime and wake up time. Make sure your child gets 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night.
  • Try to limit stress. Help your child to limit excess activities.
  • Talk with your child. Ask if there is something bothering them. Be a good listener.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • If your child says anything about hurting himself or someone else
  • If your childs depression gets worse or is not getting better
  • If problems with eating or sleeping continue
  • If you have any questions about the drugs your child is taking

Helpful tips


Join a support group. Go along with your child to the group meetings. ‚  

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. 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 childs condition.
  • I can tell you what may help my child relax and lower stress.
  • I can tell you what I will do if my child is thinking about hurting himself or someone else or if the depression is not getting better.

Where can I learn more?


National Institute of Mental Health ‚  
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/what-is-depression.shtml ‚  
KidsHealth ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/understanding_depression.html ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/feeling_sad/depression.html# ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/pages/children-depressed-signs.aspx ‚  

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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