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Written by the OrganizedWisdom Team with as the reviewer. All original content is supervised by the The OrganizedWisdom Medical Review Team

« Frequently Asked Questions

Depression 101: Self Care

What can I do to help my depression?

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Answered by:

Tanveer Padder, M.D.

Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Taking care of yourself is especially important if you've been diagnosed with depression. Here's a short list of things that I recommend my patients do to help manage their depression:
  • Take your medicines as prescribed.
  • Don't stop taking medication or change dosage without discussing it with your doctor.
  • Maintain a consistent daily schedule.
  • Return to your responsibilities slowly and gradually.
  • Set realistic goals.
  • Ask for help when you need it.
  • Meet regularly with your therapist.
  • Get enough sleep. Go to sleep and get up at about the same times every day.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Before taking a new prescription or over-the-counter medication, check with the person who prescribes your psychiatric medication.
  • Discuss the social use of alcohol with your doctor.
  • Avoid street drugs.
  • Build and keep friendships and a network of support.
  • Take a course in stress management or assertiveness.
  • Write. Keep a journal.
  • Listen to your favorite "help" songs.
  • Read (anything and everything).
  • If you can meditate, it's really helpful.
  • Doing volunteer work on a regular basis seems to help.
  • Try to be with other people, it is usually better than being alone.

Dr. Padder is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is currently medical director of two mental health clinics in Columbia, Maryland, and a consulting psychiatrist at Howard County General Hopsital, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins Medicine. Write to Dr. Padder at tanveerpadder@gmail.com.

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