Frequently Asked Questions
Depression 101: Self Care
What can I do to help my depression?
Answered by:
Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Taking care of yourself is especially important if you've been diagnosed with depression. Here's a short list of things that I recommend my patients do to help manage their depression:
- Take your medicines as prescribed.
- Don't stop taking medication or change dosage without discussing it with your doctor.
- Maintain a consistent daily schedule.
- Return to your responsibilities slowly and gradually.
- Set realistic goals.
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Meet regularly with your therapist.
- Get enough sleep. Go to sleep and get up at about the same times every day.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Before taking a new prescription or over-the-counter medication, check with the person who prescribes your psychiatric medication.
- Discuss the social use of alcohol with your doctor.
- Avoid street drugs.
- Build and keep friendships and a network of support.
- Take a course in stress management or assertiveness.
- Write. Keep a journal.
- Listen to your favorite "help" songs.
- Read (anything and everything).
- If you can meditate, it's really helpful.
- Doing volunteer work on a regular basis seems to help.
- Try to be with other people, it is usually better than being alone.
Dr. Padder is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is currently medical director of two mental health clinics in Columbia, Maryland, and a consulting psychiatrist at Howard County General Hopsital, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins Medicine. Write to Dr. Padder at tanveerpadder@gmail.com.
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Are You Depressed?
1. Have you been feeling blue, or "down in the dumps"?
