Severe signs of depression which are chronic are easier to treat if the patient is admitted to a health care centre. This is because they can get constant attention and medical intervention is more effective here. The psychiatric hospital or health care centre is well equipped to take care of any emergency should it arise and has trained staff on hand round the clock. The patient need not be kept here permanently but only when the signs of depression get worse and there is a fear of the person committing suicide. The patient can get counseling along with mediation and any other specialized treatment which is required. The period of stay at the clinic will depend on the degree of depression.
The patients are kept occupied with various activities so that they do not brood and become worse. There is also entertainment of sorts and dietary needs are focused on to ensure that the person does not suffer from a lack of nutrition as eating habits may not be proper because of depression. Treatment for each patient is specially planned according to their problem. Some may be hyperactive while others go into a low which has suicidal tendencies. The families are also counseled and taught to cope with the problem. In case specialists are required to help in the treatment they are called in and asked to assist in the treatment. Some of the severe depression patients may have resorted to drug and alcohol abuse and need treatment for de-addiction also.