Depression Nursing Care Plan: 2 Sample Plans and Interventions

Depression is a mood disorder that causes lasting sadness, loss of interest, and low energy. It can affect sleep, appetite, and the will to live. Your first priority is safety, including direct screening for suicide, followed by restoring hope and daily functioning.

A · AssessmentD · DiagnosisP · PlanningI · InterventionE · Evaluation

Each care plan below follows the nursing process (ADPIE).

CARE PLAN 1 · NURSING DIAGNOSIS

Risk for Suicide

Risk factors

Depressed mood and hopelessness
Previous suicide attempt
Access to lethal means
Recent loss or major stressor
Starting antidepressants as energy returns

PLANNING · EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Short-term goals

Client does not harm self during the hospital stay
Client agrees to tell staff when having suicidal thoughts

Long-term goals

Client creates and uses a written safety plan after discharge

ASSESSMENT

Ask directly about suicidal thoughts, plan, means, and intent
Warning signs such as giving away items or sudden calm
Room and belongings for dangerous items
Mood changes after starting antidepressants

INTERVENTIONS AND RATIONALES

INTERVENTION	RATIONALE
Ask directly, "Are you thinking about killing yourself?"	Asking directly does not cause suicide and gives the client permission to talk.
Provide close observation per the suicide precaution level ordered	Constant or frequent checks prevent self-harm.
Remove dangerous items such as belts, cords, sharps, and plastic bags	A safe environment removes means of self-harm.
Work with the client on a safety plan with warning signs, coping steps, and people to call	A plan gives the client clear steps when thoughts return.
Teach the client and family about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline	988 gives 24/7 access to crisis support by call or text.

EVALUATION

Client remains free of self-harm
Client tells staff about suicidal thoughts
Client has a written safety plan and knows how to reach 988

CARE PLAN 2 · NURSING DIAGNOSIS

Hopelessness

Related to

Long-term stress or loss
Feeling of no control
Depressed brain chemistry

As evidenced by

Client says things will never get better
Poor eye contact and flat affect
Little interest in activities or self-care

PLANNING · EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Short-term goals

Client names one positive thing or goal within 72 hours
Client takes part in one activity daily

Long-term goals

Client expresses hope and makes plans for the future

ASSESSMENT

Mood and statements about the future
Sleep, appetite, and self-care
Response to antidepressants, which may take 2 to 4 weeks to work

INTERVENTIONS AND RATIONALES

INTERVENTION	RATIONALE
Spend time with the client even if they say little	Presence shows the client they matter.
Set small, achievable daily goals	Success with small tasks builds a sense of control.
Give antidepressants as ordered and teach that full effect takes weeks	Knowing the timeline helps the client keep taking them.
Encourage contact with support people and groups	Connection reduces isolation and builds hope.

EVALUATION

Client names a goal
Client joins in daily activities
Client describes hope for the future

Practice this in Priority Care

Decide which client needs you first, including one at risk for suicide.

Play Priority Care

Quick answers

Why is suicide risk higher shortly after starting an antidepressant?

Energy can improve before mood does, giving the client the energy to act on suicidal thoughts.

Does asking about suicide put the idea in a client's head?

No. Asking directly is safe and is the best way to find out who needs protection.

For learning only. Individualize every care plan to your client, and follow your program, current guidelines, provider orders, and facility policy.