10 Tips to Support Your Depression Treatment

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By actively working in partnership with your health care professional, you may improve your chances of achieving and maintaining remission from depression.

Taking an active role in your treatment also means taking care of yourself. This page includes tips on managing stress and making healthy lifestyle choices.

  1. Set realistic goals. Increase your responsibilities gradually. Celebrate small victories along the way instead of searching for immediate success.
  2. Try to reduce stress whenever you can. Be realistic about what you can and can't do. Accept that there will always be some level of stress in your life, but take steps to manage it as well as you can.
  3. Break large tasks into manageable parts. Decide what is most important, and do what you can, as you can. Remember, it is normal to have good days as well as bad days.
  4. Let your family and friends help you. When everyone works together to help you get through hard times, everyone benefits.
  5. Open up to someone you trust. It is usually better than keeping your feelings to yourself.
  6. Participate in activities that matter most to you. Don't forget to take time for yourself and your own interests.
  7. Consider talk therapy (psychotherapy). Certain types of counseling, when combined with medication, can help you manage symptoms of depression. Talk with your doctor about these potential options.
  8. Get advice on important decisions. If you have important decisions to make, listen to the advice of family and friends, who may have a different perspective on your situation right now.
  9. Check in with family members. They can point out changes in your behavior that may be signs of progress as you manage the symptoms of depression.
  10. Keep a personal journal of your feelings, sleep patterns, and other activities. This will make it easier to keep track of how you're responding to your treatment. Share this information with your health care professional.