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Topic
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Key Points
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Depression
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- Depression is a medical illness, not a character defect
- Treatment is effective for most people
- The aim of treatment is remission (i.e., being mostly free of symptoms)
- The cause, symptoms, and course of depression
- A wide range of treatment options are available and recovery is possible*
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Self-management of depression; lifestyle modification
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- The importance of basic wellness, such as sleep hygiene (regular sleep and wake times; avoiding eating, smoking, and alcohol before sleep; creating the proper environment for sleep; exercising regularly)
- The benefits of exercise
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Therapeutic interventions
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Medications
- The effectiveness, side effects, and precautions (e.g., do not discontinue medications suddenly)
- Information specific to the use of medication (e.g., how to take it), and common misconceptions (e.g., medication is not addictive)
Non-pharmacological approaches
- Clarify and reinforce the benefits of non-pharmacological approaches
Community resources and supports
- For example, therapists or counsellors; issue-specific support groups
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Safety
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- The early warning signs of relapse or recurrence
- When to contact a practitioner (e.g., development of marked and/or prolonged agitation, mood changes, negativity and hopelessness, and suicidal ideation*)
- Where and how to seek help
- Crisis line phone numbers; contact information for urgent care
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Follow-up care
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- Plans for monitoring and a follow-up plan
- Relapse prevention
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