Depression : Client/Family Education

Client/Family Education

• Nature of the illness
  • Stages of grief and symptoms associated with each stage
  • What is depression?
  • Why do people get depressed?
  • What are the symptoms of depression?
• Management of the illness
  • Medication management
  • Assertive techniques
  • Stress-management techniques
  • Ways to increase self-esteem
  • Electroconvulsive therapy
• Support services
  • Suicide hotline
  • Support groups
  • Legal/financial assistance

Evaluation

• Has self-harm to the client been avoided?
• Have suicidal ideations subsided?
• Does the client know where to seek assistance outside of the hospital when suicidal thoughts occur?
• Has the client discussed the recent loss with the staff and family members?
• Is he or she able to verbalize feelings and behaviors associated with each stage of the grieving process and recognize his or her position in the process?
• Have obsession with, and idealization of, the lost object subsided?
• Is anger toward the lost object expressed appropriately?
• Does the client set realistic goals for self?
• Is the client able to verbalize positive aspects about self, past accomplishments, and future prospects?
• Can the client identify areas of life situation over which he or she has control?