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Medications to treat depression may need to be taken at a certain time every day. It is important to take your medications exactly as your doctor prescribed them, as following the directions may minimize the potential side effects you experience. Never stop taking your medications unless your doctor advises you to do so. Stopping your regimen suddenly will cause your symptoms to return full-force, and you may even experience additional withdrawal symptoms after you have been taking the drugs for a time and then stop. Be mindful that not taking your meds as directed, or failing to take your meds at all, could lead to you having thoughts about hurting yourself. If you are having suicidal thoughts, immediately call your doctor or a suicide help line. If need be, take yourself to the hospital. It can be terribly difficult to drum up the energy to get out of bed when you are suffering from depression. Creating a morning routine made up of small, successive steps can help you to manage the day more easily and set you off to a good start. Arise at the same time every morning (including weekends). When you wake, perform a few simple tasks, such as sitting up in bed. Then, focus on actually getting out of the bed. Next, do some light stretching. Wash your face and brush your teeth. Eat breakfast and take your meds. Rather than thinking about getting through the entire day, focus on completing one task at a time. Turn off your phone, computer, television, and wind down for an hour or so before bed. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they both can inhibit the quality and quantity of sleep you get. Read, take a bath, and establish a nightly bedtime ritual. Go to bed at the same time each night. When you improve your sleep habits, you may wake feeling more refreshed and energized. Lack of sleep can have a significant impact on mood, so establishing healthy sleep patterns can go a long way in improving your depressive symptoms - now and later after the meds kick in. It's a mood brightener. The endorphins released after a good sweat session can naturally lift your mood. What's more, regular exercise gives you confidence, relieves stress, provides a mechanism for healthy coping, and can even help you sleep. As you wait for your symptoms to improve, don't pressure yourself about the intensity or duration of exercise you get - it's not necessary to do anything too strenuous. Just strive to get your body moving in any way possible. Walking, swimming, and yoga are all potentially low-impact activities you can do. You'll feel better for it. And the people around you will appreciate it also. Including these tasks in your morning routine can help you to feel more accomplished and motivated for other tasks that await you. If it's all you manage to do, that's okay, too.
Take your medications as directed. Stick to a routine. Practice good sleep hygiene. Get some exercise. Bathe, dress and groom yourself every day by a given time.