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 in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for depression. This is a disorder that makes you sad, but it is different than normal sadness. It can make it hard for you to work, study, or do everyday tasks. Depression is caused by problems with chemicals in the brain.
Depression can have a big impact on your life. Luckily, it can be treated. The sooner treatment is started, the better it works.
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 do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take your medicines exactly as instructed, so you get the correct amount of each medicine:
•It might help to use reminders or a weekly pill box.
•If you are having side effects, talk to your doctor. Many side effects go away after a few days or weeks of use.
●Go to all your appointments. This might include counseling sessions, support groups, or appointments for medical treatments.
●Do not drink alcohol or use cannabis or other recreational drugs.
●Talk to family and friends your trust about your feelings and how they can help.
●Try to exercise each day. Even gentle exercise, like walking, is good for your health. Try to spend time outside each day. Sunshine can help make you feel better.
●Try to keep a regular sleep schedule. Try to get 8 hours of sleep every night.
●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.
When should I get emergency help?
●If you ever feel like you might hurt yourself or someone else, help is available:
•In the US, 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 urgent.
•Call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1).
•Go to the emergency department at the nearest hospital.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Your symptoms do not start to get better within 1 or 2 weeks.
●Your family and friends say they are worried about you.
●You continue to have problems eating or sleeping.
●You are functioning poorly at work, at home, or in school.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Depression in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Medicines for depression (The Basics)
Patient education: Screening for depression in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Depression during and after pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: When you have depression and another health problem (The Basics)
Patient education: Exercise and other activities to help with depression (The Basics)
Patient education: Coping with worry and stress (The Basics)
Patient education: Depression in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Depression treatment options for adults (Beyond the Basics)
