Instructed patient that depression is more frequent in people with chronic or severe medical illness and also with substance abuse.
Instructed patient about signs/symptoms of depression: altered sleep patterns, anorexia, weight loss, helplessness, and irritability, lack of motivation, low self-esteem, sadness and crying.
Instructed patient on the causes of depression, such as, substance abuse, deficiencies in cerebral neurotransmitters, family history of depressive disorders, hormonal imbalances, lack of social support, prior episodes of depression, significant medical problems, and stressful life events.
Instructed patient to immediately report to MD when having suicidal thoughts.
Instructed patient about the importance of identifying current problems and/or stressors in order to receive treatment.
Instructed on some measures aimed to controlling/managing depression, such as: encourage patient to set realistic goals and recognize and praise even minor accomplishments, among others.
Instructed on some measures aimed to controlling/managing depression, such as: encourage verbalization of feelings and allow patient some degree of control, among others.
Instructed on some measures aimed to controlling/managing depression, such as: allow time for responses and encourage patient to make decisions, among others.
Instructed on some measures aimed to controlling/managing depression, such as: encourage patient to become involved in prior interests and activities, among others.
Taught that depression is an alteration in mood, characterized by sadness, pessimism, despondence and hopelessness.