Depression

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

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Depression is a mood disorder that causes feelings of sadness or hopelessness that do not go away. Depression may cause you to lose interest in things you used to enjoy. These feelings may interfere with your daily life.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You think about hurting yourself or someone else.
• You have done something on purpose to hurt yourself.

Call your therapist or doctor if:

• Your symptoms get worse or do not get better with treatment.
• Your depression keeps you from doing your regular daily activities.
• You have new symptoms since your last visit.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

The following resources are available at any time to help you, if needed:

• Contact a suicide prevention organization:
  • For the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
    • Call or text 988
    • Send a chat on https://988lifeline.org/chat
    • Call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)
  • For the Suicide Hotline, call 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE)
• For a list of international numbers: https://save.org/find-help/international-resources/

Medicines:

• Antidepressants may be given to decrease or manage symptoms. You may need to take this medicine for several weeks before they start working.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

teaches you how to identify and change negative thought patterns.

Manage depression:

• Talk to someone about your depression. Your healthcare provider may suggest counseling. You might feel more comfortable talking with a friend or family member about your depression. Choose someone you know will be supportive and encouraging.
• Get regular physical activity. Physical activity can lower your stress, improve your mood, and help you sleep better. Work with your healthcare provider to develop a plan that you enjoy.
• Create a regular sleep schedule. A routine can help you relax before bed. Listen to music, read, or do yoga. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Sleep is important for emotional health.
• Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, and cooked beans. A healthy meal plan is low in fat, salt, and added sugar.
• Do not use alcohol, drugs, or nicotine products. These can worsen depression or make it hard to manage. Talk to your therapist or healthcare provider if you use any of these products and need help to quit.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Cymbalta
• Zoloft
• Lexapro
• Wellbutrin XL
• Prozac

View more treatment options

Follow up with your therapist or doctor as directed:

Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress at follow-up visits. Your provider will also monitor your medicine if you take antidepressants and ask if the medicine is helping. Tell your provider about any side effects or problems you have with your medicine. The type or amount of medicine may need to be changed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

For more information or support:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness
  3803 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100
  Arlington , VA 22203
  Phone: 1- 703 - 524-7600
  Phone: 1- 800 - 950-6264
  Web Address: http://www.nami.org
  

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
  PO Box 2345
  Rockville , MD 20847-2345
  Phone: 1- 800 - 988
  Web Address: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org OR https://988lifeline.org/chat/
  

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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