Instructed patient that depression is an abnormal and persistent mood state. It is characterized by sadness, melancholy, slowed mental processes and changes in physical patterns such as eating and sleeping.
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 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.
Taught that there are two types of depression: endogenous depression (genetic and not triggered by an event) and exogenous depression (caused by an event such as loss of a loved one).
Instructed that depression may surface with other mood disorders such as seasonal major depression, postpartum depression and bipolar disorder.
Instructed patient to perform daily safe activities such as reading and walking, in order to help increase self-esteem.
Instructed patient that depression induced suicide is more frequent among white or native americans, older than 60 years, lacking social support and/or having financial difficulties.
Instructed patient that depression is more frequent in people with chronic or severe medical illness and also with substance abuse.
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 about the importance of identifying current problems and/or stressors in order to receive treatment.