Moving On From Depression: How to Avoid a Relapse

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 17.3 million Americans experienced at least one episode of major depression in 2017. Of those, 63% reported severe impairment on their daily lives during the episode.

What’s more, the chances of a depressive episode returning after treatment are high, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Between 50% and 85% of patients will experience a relapse of a depressive episode in their lifetime.

Graphic source: NIMH

Despite its commonality, depression relapse should not be accepted as fact. By recognizing symptoms of a depression relapse and engaging in activities that can lower your risk of a recurring episode, there is hope to avoid a future depressive episode.

Symptoms of Depression Relapse

Recognizing symptoms of a possible relapse is important to preventing a full-scale recurrence. 

Symptoms can include:

• Loss of interest in hobbies, sex and other activities you used to enjoy
• Social withdrawal
• Increased irritability
• General fatigue after normal activity
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Significantly increased or decreased appetite
• Inability to concentrate or recall recent events
• Physical aches and pains
• Thinking about or planning suicide
• Any previous symptoms you experienced during your first episode

How to Lower Your Risk of Relapse

The APA defines the first two months following discontinuation of treatment for the original episode of depression as the highest risk period for relapse. To lower the chances of relapse, monitoring for recurrence symptoms and avoiding possible triggers is imperative.

Possible triggers may not be entirely avoidable but being aware of them can prepare you for any impending symptoms or notify you to take extra care of your mental health. Discontinuing treatment, such as skipping therapy appointments or stopping prescribed medications, may result in a relapse episode. Medical conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, have also been linked to depression relapses. Finally, traumatic life events, like the loss of a loved one or a breakup, can cause recurrence of depressive episodes. 

Involving friends and family in your recovery process can help prevent a relapse. By building a supportive community, you are able to discuss any feelings or symptoms early on. If you are unable to recognize these symptoms yourself, a friend or family member may be key to pointing them out to you and catching the early symptoms of an impending depressive episode.

Practicing mindfulness has been proven to help reduce depression relapse by almost 50% when performed three times a week. Practicing mindfulness promotes a personal understanding of one’s emotions and thoughts. Mindfulness can be made easy and accessible with mobile apps such as Headspace and Calm. 

If you feel you are in the midst of a depression relapse episode, all three of our Jackson House locations are equipped with professional staff and available to assist you. Click here to contact our team.