Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.
What is depression? —
This is a disorder that makes you sad, but it is different than normal sadness. Depression can make it hard for you to work, study, do everyday tasks, or interact with others.
Get help right away if you are thinking of hurting or killing yourself! —
Sometimes, people with depression think of hurting or killing themselves. If you ever feel like you might hurt yourself or someone else, help is available:
●In the US and Canada, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
•To speak to someone, call or text 988.
•To talk to someone online, go to chat.988lifeline.org.
●Call your doctor or nurse, and tell them it is an emergency.
●Call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1).
●Go to the emergency department at the nearest hospital.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Take all your medicines exactly as instructed:
•It might help to use reminders or a weekly pill box.
•If you are having side effects, tell your doctor. Many side effects go away after a few days or weeks.
●Go to all your appointments. This might include psychotherapy (counseling), support groups, or medical appointments.
●Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.
●Try to get regular physical activity or exercise. Even gentle forms of activity, like walking, are good for your health.
●Speak with trusted family or friends about your depression and how they can help.
●Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. If you have trouble sleeping, you can do things to improve your sleep habits. For example, you should:
•Avoid alcohol and caffeine in the late afternoon or evening.
•Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
•Limit naps during the day, and don't nap for more than 30 minutes at a time.
●Find healthy ways to handle stress, like talking to others or hobbies you enjoy. Relaxation exercises, meditation, and activities like yoga or tai chi can help you handle stress.
●Try to eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. This can help improve your overall health.
What follow-up care do I need? —
Depression needs to be watched closely. Your doctor or nurse should ask you to make a follow-up appointment to check on your progress. Go to these appointments.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Your symptoms do not start to get better in 1 or 2 weeks.
●Your symptoms are getting worse.
●Your family or friends say they are worried about you or your safety.
●You continue to have problems with your mood, energy, eating, or sleeping.
●You are having trouble functioning at work, at home, or in school.
Patient education: Depression in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Depression during and after pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Screening for depression in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Medicines for depression (The Basics)
Patient education: Exercise and other activities to help with depression (The Basics)
Patient education: When you have depression and another health problem (The Basics)
Patient education: Psychotherapy (The Basics)
Patient education: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) (The Basics)
Patient education: Depression in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Depression treatment options for adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) (Beyond the Basics)
