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Preventing Depression From Coming Back in Teens: Care Instructions

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Overview

Some people have depression symptoms that come back. Depression often comes and goes during a lifetime. But there are some things you can do to help lower the chance of depression coming back.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

What do you need to know?

Know your risk of depression coming back

Some people are more likely to have symptoms of depression return. Talk to your doctor to find out how likely you are to have depression again.

You may be at risk if:

  • You have a family member who has had depression.
  • You have depression symptoms that continue after treatment.

If you know your risk of depression coming back and the warning signs, you will be better able to prevent depression from returning.

Know the warning signs of depression returning

The two main symptoms of depression coming back are:

  • Feeling sad or hopeless.
  • Losing interest in your daily activities.

You may have other symptoms, such as:

  • You eat more or less than usual.
  • You sleep too much or not enough.
  • You feel restless and unable to sit still.
  • You feel unable to move.
  • You feel tired all the time.
  • You feel unworthy or guilty without an obvious reason.
  • You have problems concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
  • You think often about death or suicide.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
    • Continue to take your medicine after your symptoms improve. Don't stop taking them without talking to your doctor.
    • If your depression keeps coming back, your doctor may recommend that you take medicine even longer.
  • Continue counseling. It may help prevent depression from returning, especially if you've had multiple episodes of depression. Talk with your counselor if you are having a hard time attending your sessions or you think the sessions aren't working. Don't just stop going.
  • Eat healthy foods. Include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains in your diet each day.
  • Get regular exercise. Go for a walk or jog, ride your bike, or play sports with friends.
  • See your doctor right away if you have new symptoms or feel that your depression is coming back.
  • Keep a regular sleep schedule. Try for 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night.
  • Avoid using illegal drugs or marijuana and drinking alcohol.

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

  • Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
  • Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
  • Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You are thinking about suicide or are threatening suicide.
  • You feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself or someone else.
  • You hear or see things that aren't real.
  • You think or speak in a bizarre way that is not like your usual behavior.

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

  • Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
  • Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
  • Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You are talking or writing about death.
  • You are drinking a lot of alcohol or using drugs.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You find it hard or it's getting harder to deal with school, a job, family, or friends.
  • You think your treatment is not helping or you are not getting better.
  • Your symptoms get worse or you get new symptoms.
  • You have any problems with your antidepressant medicines, such as side effects, or you are thinking about stopping your medicine.
  • You are having manic behavior, such as having very high energy, needing less sleep than normal, or showing risky behavior such as spending money you don't have or abusing others verbally or physically.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter P639 in the search box to learn more about "Preventing Depression From Coming Back in Teens: Care Instructions".

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.