Patient handout
Depression
You have been diagnosed with depression. This page explains what that means, how it is treated, and what you can do now.
What it is
Depression is more than sadness. It is a persistent change in mood, energy, sleep, appetite, concentration, and the ability to feel pleasure, lasting at least two weeks and usually much longer. It is a medical condition, not a weakness, and it is highly treatable. Most people who are treated get substantially better.
Common signs
- Low mood or emptiness most of the day, most days
- Loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Sleeping too little or too much; eating too little or too much
- Low energy, slowed thinking, trouble concentrating or deciding
- Guilt, worthlessness, or harsh self-criticism
- Irritability, withdrawing from people
- Thoughts that life is not worth living
Why it happens
Depression comes from a mix of genetics, stress, loss, medical illness, and brain chemistry. Thyroid problems, anemia, and some medications can mimic it, which is why lab work is often ordered at the first visit. Once depression sets in, it feeds itself through withdrawal, inactivity, and negative thinking, and treatment interrupts that loop.
How it is treated
- Medication: SSRIs and SNRIs are first-line. Others such as bupropion or mirtazapine are chosen when sleep, energy, appetite, or side effects point that way. Expect two to six weeks for benefit and plan to continue six to twelve months after you feel well.
- Therapy: CBT, behavioral activation, and interpersonal therapy have strong evidence. Combined with medication, the result is better than either alone.
- Supportive therapy is part of every visit here, and a referral to a dedicated therapist can be arranged.
- Follow-up: every one to two weeks at first, then monthly, then every three months once stable. A short questionnaire tracks progress at each visit.
What you can do now
- Keep a regular wake time, even on bad days. Sleep is the first thing to protect.
- Do one small planned activity a day that used to matter to you, whether or not you feel like it. Action comes before motivation in depression.
- Get outside in daylight and move, even briefly.
- Tell one person you trust what is going on.
- Take medication daily at the same time, and do not judge it before four weeks.
Get help right away if
- Thoughts of hurting yourself or of not wanting to be here, especially in the first weeks of a new medication or after a dose change
- Not eating or drinking, or unable to get out of bed for days
- Unusual energy, little need for sleep, racing thoughts, or spending sprees after starting medication (possible bipolar switch)
- Thoughts of hurting yourself or not wanting to be here: call or text 988 any time, or go to the nearest emergency room
Good to know
- Early medication side effects usually fade within one to two weeks. If one medication does not help enough, there are clear next steps; the first choice is not the only choice.
- Alcohol and cannabis deepen depression over time, even when they feel like relief.
- Recovery is rarely a straight line. A hard week during treatment is not a relapse.
Questions about your diagnosis or treatment?
Alice Tran Psychiatric Care · 3060 Williams Drive, Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22031
Call: (703) 791-9099 · Text: (703) 791-9031 · info@alicetrannp.com · alicetrannp.com
This handout is for education and is not a substitute for the instructions you received at your visit. Follow the dose on your prescription label. If anything here differs from what you were told, call the office. In an emergency, call 911. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.