Depression is a common mental disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, disturbed sleep and appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. In mental health nursing, the management of a depressed patient requires a comprehensive, individualized, and compassionate approach that addresses biological, psychological, and social aspects of the illness. The nurse plays a central role in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care, ensuring safety, promoting recovery, and preventing relapse. The first step in nursing management is thorough assessment. The nurse should establish a therapeutic relationship based on trust, empathy, and non-judgmental acceptance. Assessment includes evaluating the severity of depressive symptoms, duration of illness, precipitating factors, past psychiatric history, medical history, family history, substance use, and current medications. Particular attention must be given to suicidal ideation, intent, and plan. The nurse should directly but sensitively ask about thoughts of self-harm or suicide, as open questioning does not increase risk but instead provides relief and clarity. Assessment of physical health is also important because depression may present with somatic complaints such as fatigue, headaches, or gastrointestinal disturbances. Nutritional status, sleep pattern, and level of daily functioning should be carefully evaluated. Ensuring safety is the highest priority in the management of a depressed patient, especially when there is risk of suicide. The nurse must assess the level of suicide risk and implement appropriate precautions. For patients with active suicidal ideation or a specific plan, close observation or one-to-one supervision may be required. Potentially harmful objects such as sharp items, belts, or medications should be removed from the patient’s environment. The nurse should maintain a safe and structured setting, minimizing opportunities for self-harm. Documentation of suicide risk assessments and interventions is essential for continuity of care. Therapeutic communication is a cornerstone of nursing management. The nurse should encourage the patient to express feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anger, or guilt without fear of criticism. Active listening, reflection, and clarification help the patient feel understood and validated. The nurse should avoid giving false reassurance or minimizing the patient’s feelings. Instead