Self-help program
Plan for warning signs
If you have recurrent depression, it’s especially important to learn to recognize your warning signs. With their help, you can act early. Warning signs can appear in your thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
By recognizing your depressive symptoms, you can prevent them from getting worse.
In the video (2:29), people who have experienced depression describe how they have learned to respond to their own symptoms. Many find help in having a safety plan prepared in advance. Such a plan may include contacting a loved one or a healthcare professional you know.
Exercise: My warning signs
Goal
You learn to recognize your warning signs. With their help, you can notice if your mood begins to decline.
Instructions
Warning signs refer to symptoms that start to appear before a depressive episode. These signs can occur in your thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
Learn to recognize your warning signs so you can act early.
Think about your warning signs and plan for how to respond to them.