Action Plan for Mental Health Patients - Preventing Depression Symptoms

Part 8 What you need from others
Describe what your supporters can do for you that will help you feel better. This part of the plan is very important and deserves careful attention. Describe everything you can think of that you want your supporters to do (or not do) for you. You may want to get more ideas from your supporters and health care professionals.

Things others could do for you that would help you feel more comfortable might include—

• listen to me without giving me advice, judging me, or criticizing me
• hold me (how? how firmly?)
• let me pace
• encourage me to move, help me move
• lead me through a relaxation or stress reduction technique

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• peer counsel with me
• provide me with materials so I can draw or paint
• give me the space to express my feelings
• don't talk to me (or do talk to me)
• encourage me and reassure me
• feed me nutritious food
• make sure I take my vitamins and other medications
• play me comic videos
• play me good music (list the kind)
• just let me rest

Include a list of specific tasks you would like others to do for you, who you would like to do which task, and any specific instructions they might need. These tasks might include—

• buying groceries
• watering the plants
• feeding the pets
• taking care of the children
• paying the bills
• taking out the garbage or trash
• doing the laundry

You may also want to include a list of things that you do not want others to do for you—things they might otherwise do because they think it would be helpful, but that might even be harmful or worsen the situation. These might include—

• forcing you to do anything, such as walking
• scolding you
• becoming impatient with you
• taking away your cigarettes or coffee
• talking continuously

Some people also include instructions in this section on how they want to be treated by their caregivers. These instructions might include statements such as "kindly, but firmly, tell me what you are going to do," "don't ask me to make any choices at this point," or "make sure to take my medications out of my top dresser drawer right away."

Part 9 Recognizing recovery
In the last part of this plan, give your supporters information on how to recognize when you have recovered enough to take care of yourself and they no longer need to use this plan. Some examples are—

• when I am eating at least two meals a day
• when I am awake for six hours a day
• when I am taking care of my personal hygiene needs daily
• when I can carry on a good conversation
• when I can easily walk around the house

You have now completed your crisis plan. Update it when you learn new information or change your mind about things. Date your crisis plan each time you change it and give revised copies to your supporters.

You can help ensure that your crisis plan will be followed by signing it in the presence of two witnesses. It will further increase potential for use if you appoint and name a durable power of attorney-a person who could legally make decisions for you if you were not able to make them for yourself. Since power of attorney documents vary from state to state, you cannot be absolutely sure the plan will be followed. However, it is your best assurance that your wishes will be honored.