Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Depression (Mild to Moderate)

Audience: adult

Depression is a common mental health condition that can cause feelings of sadness, low energy, and loss of interest in daily activities. Mild to moderate depression often can be managed with self-care, support, and sometimes medication or therapy. Telemedicine can provide helpful education, counseling, and medication management for many people with depression. However, certain warning signs, or "red flags," mean you should seek in-person care promptly. These include thoughts of harming yourself or others, sudden worsening of symptoms, or difficulty functioning daily. Knowing when to get in-person help is important to stay safe and get the right treatment. This guide explains common red flags, what telemedicine can and cannot do for depression, and how to prepare for and follow up after a telemedicine visit. Remember, this information is for education only and not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm — seek emergency in-person care immediately.
• Severe worsening of mood or behavior with inability to function — go to emergency services.
• Confusion, hallucinations, or extreme agitation — urgent in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing counseling and psychotherapy for mild to moderate depression.
• Medication management and follow-up for stable patients.
• Education about coping strategies and lifestyle changes.
• Monitoring symptoms and treatment progress remotely.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency or crisis situations such as suicidal thoughts or severe agitation.
• Physical examinations or lab tests required for diagnosis.
• Management of severe or treatment-resistant depression needing inpatient care.
• Situations requiring immediate in-person evaluation or hospitalization.

Understanding Mild to Moderate Depression

Mild to moderate depression often includes persistent sadness, low energy, changes in sleep or appetite, and loss of interest in things you usually enjoy. These symptoms can affect your daily life but may still allow you to function to some degree. Treatment often involves counseling, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication. Telemedicine can support these treatments by providing access to healthcare professionals remotely.

Red Flags That Need In-Person Care

Certain signs mean you should seek urgent in-person care:

If you or someone you know experiences these, go to an emergency room or contact emergency services immediately.

What Telemedicine Can Do for Depression

Telemedicine can:

It offers convenience and access, especially when in-person visits are difficult.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do

Telemedicine cannot:

In these cases, timely in-person care is essential.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your tele-visit:

This preparation helps your provider understand your needs clearly.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your visit:

Consistent follow-up helps manage depression effectively.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a private, quiet space with reliable internet for your tele-visit.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms, including changes in mood, sleep, appetite, and energy.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Have a list of current medications, doses, and any side effects.
• Consider having a trusted person nearby if you feel unsafe or need support.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan provided by your healthcare professional.
• Take medications exactly as prescribed and report any side effects.
• Schedule and attend follow-up appointments as recommended.
• Use recommended coping strategies such as exercise, sleep hygiene, and social support.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flags or worsening symptoms occur.

FAQs

Can telemedicine help if I feel depressed?

Yes, telemedicine can provide counseling, education, and medication management for many people with mild to moderate depression. It allows you to connect with healthcare providers remotely, which can be convenient and effective.

When should I go to the hospital instead of using telemedicine?

If you have thoughts of harming yourself or others, severe mood changes, confusion, or cannot care for yourself, you should seek emergency in-person care immediately. Telemedicine is not suitable for crisis situations.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse after a telemedicine visit?

Contact your healthcare provider promptly to report worsening symptoms. If you experience severe symptoms or red flags, seek emergency in-person care right away.

Can telemedicine diagnose depression?

Telemedicine providers can assess symptoms and often diagnose depression based on your history and reported symptoms. However, some cases may require in-person evaluation or tests to rule out other causes.

Is it safe to take medication prescribed through telemedicine?

Yes, medications prescribed via telemedicine are generally safe when managed by a qualified healthcare provider. Always follow instructions and report any side effects or concerns promptly.

Sources

1. Depression — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / NIH.
2. Depression: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Mental Health and COVID-19: Using Telehealth to Expand Access to Mental Health Care — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Depression: What You Need to Know — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
5. Telepsychiatry and Mental Health Services — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you experience any emergency symptoms or red flags, seek immediate in-person evaluation.