Planned interventions for a newly admitted severely depressed patient should include:

C
Approximately two-thirds of depressed people contemplate suicide. A suicide attempt requires only a short period of unobserved activity. Traditional every-fifteen-minute checks allow sufficient time to enact a suicide and are inadequate. Therefore, ongoing direct (but unobtrusive) observation of the depressed patient, at least until such time as his risk for self-harm has been fully assessed, minimizes the chance of self-harm while on the unit. Allowing excessive alone time facilitates withdrawal. Rest is important, and while it is not unusual for depressed patients to have a sleep deficit, excessive sleeping is a form of withdrawal, and sleeping at atypical times can further disrupt the patient's circadian rhythm, interfering with sleep in the long run. Impaired cognition, concentration, and self-esteem would make assuming a leadership role unrealistic and frustrating for the patient.