Depression and Anxiety Robert J. Hartke, Robert J. Hartke, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Page 2 of 2

• Acknowledge improvements. This decreases the risk of boredom and depression and will boost self-confidence.
• This is a stressful time, so be open to the support of others. Healthy relationships with family, friends or others with a disability can go a long way in preventing depression and anxiety.
• There is also evidence that a strong spiritual life can help keep you healthier and hopeful.

Special Tips for Parents

Parents may need to provide more comfort and support than usual for their children. It is not unusual for a child to regress to an earlier stage of development following a traumatic event. Children may find it hard to separate from parents, become clingy or emotionally needy during a hospital stay. Children usually show signs of greater independence by the time of discharge. Please talk to your physician if these problems do not improve.

Additional Resources

American Medical Association (1998). Essential Guide to Depression. New York: Pocket Books.
Bourne, E.J. (2000). The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook. New Harbinger Press.
Mental Health: Does therapy work? Consumer Reports. November, 1995.
Sheffield, A. (1998). How You Can Survive When They’re Depressed. New York: Harmony.

Internet resources

For adults:
American Psychological Association: www.apa.org
National Institutes of Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov
Psychology Information Online: www.psychologyinfo.com

For children:
Kids Health: www.kidshealth.org

From the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, LIFE Center. Reprinted with permission. http://lifecenter.ric.org.

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