Your Care Instructions

Depression is a condition that affects the way you feel, think, and act. It causes symptoms such as low energy, loss of interest in daily activities, and sadness or grouchiness that goes on for a long time. Depression is very common and affects men and women of all ages.

Depression is a medical illness caused by changes in the natural chemicals in your brain. It is not a character flaw, and it does not mean that you are a bad or weak person. It does not mean that you are going crazy.

It is important to know that depression can be treated. Counselling, medicines, and self-care can all help. Many people do not get help because they are embarrassed or think that they will get over the depression on their own. But some people do not get better without treatment.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Learn about counselling

In many cases, counselling can work as well as medicines to treat mild to moderate depression. Counselling is done by licensed mental health providers, such as psychologists, social workers, and some types of nurses. It can be done in one-on-one sessions or in a group setting. Many people find group sessions helpful.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a type of counselling. In this treatment, you learn how to see and change unhelpful thinking styles that may be adding to your depression. Counselling and medicines often work well when used together.

Learn about antidepressant medicines

Antidepressant medicines can improve or end the symptoms of depression. You may need to take the medicine for at least 6 months, and often longer. Keep taking your medicine even if you feel better. If you stop taking it too soon, your symptoms may come back or get worse. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking your antidepressant, because some medicines need to be tapered (you take less and less medicine over time until you don't take any) so you don't have side effects.

You may start to feel better within 1 to 3 weeks of taking antidepressant medicine. But it can take as many as 6 to 8 weeks to see more improvement. Talk to your doctor if you have problems with your medicine or if you do not notice any improvement after 3 weeks.

Antidepressants can make you feel tired, dizzy, or nervous. Some people have dry mouth, constipation, headaches, sexual problems, an upset stomach, or diarrhea. Many of these side effects are mild and go away on their own after you take the medicine for a few weeks. Some may last longer. Talk to your doctor if side effects bother you too much. You might be able to try a different medicine. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about what medicines you can take.