Navigating A Depression Relapse With Mental Health Treatment
Depression is a mental illness that generally doesn’t have a cure, but many treatment options are usually available to help people manage their symptoms. Nonetheless, sometimes a relapse in symptoms can occur. A depression relapse generally happens when a person experiences a reoccurrence of symptoms after being depression-free for an extended time. Knowing what to watch out for can help you navigate a depression relapse, get the help you deserve, and feel better as soon as possible. Online therapy can be one way to address or prevent a depression relapse.
Symptoms of a depression relapse
A person can experience a depression relapse that differs from their initial episode of depression. Because of this, it can be beneficial to learn about possible symptoms that could be signs that it is time to seek help. Here are several relapse symptoms to watch for:
Lack of mental focus
Some may experience brain fog or difficulty concentrating, potentially making decision-making more challenging. A person may find it challenging to choose what to eat, or it may take them longer to complete tasks like laundry or paying bills. These can be warning signs of major depression or a depressive disorder, especially if they follow a previous episode. In a primary care setting, doctors notice that these symptoms might suggest a possible recurrence. According to a systematic review, certain factors, like stress or sleep issues, may worsen these symptoms. Getting support early and using the right pharmacologic treatment or psychosocial treatment may help treat depression and lower the risk of it getting worse.
Social withdrawal
People with major depression may find it challenging to communicate with others. They may avoid social settings or isolate themselves. Social withdrawal may be one of the common warning signs of a possible recurrence of depressive disorder. A depression relapse can impact relationships with family, friends, and coworkers and may follow a previous episode or occur during depressive episodes. Support like psychosocial treatment or other treatments, including long-term antidepressants, may help reduce the risk of further isolation and support recovery.
Lack of interest in activities
It can be common for people with major depression to lose interest in activities they once found fun and exciting. Not being interested and losing interest in activities, such as hobbies, sports, or music, can be warning signs that often show up along with other symptoms, such as social isolation. This symptom is frequently seen during depressive episodes and may also indicate a recurrence following a previous episode.
Sleep changes
A depression relapse can affect sleep patterns. Some may have trouble falling asleep or achieving a restful night of sleep. Lack of sleep may stem from being unhappy about something or focusing on an event during the day. Changes in sleep may also include sleeping too much.
Loss of sexual desire
Depression can make intimacy difficult to enjoy. Some may lose attraction to their partner or be too tired to engage in sexual activity. You may feel happy in the relationship but have no desire for sex.
Changes in weight and appetite and talking to your primary care doctor
An episode of depression may change your eating habits. Some people may eat more and gain weight suddenly. Others may lack an appetite and lose weight without trying. If you experience sudden weight loss or gain, it can be helpful to talk to your primary care doctor about possible emotional and physical causes.
Feeling Tired
Tiredness can be a sign you might notice when trying to complete daily tasks. Routine tasks may seem challenging. Many people coping with depression relapse recognize fatigue as a warning sign.
Being unusually annoyed and its impact on mental health
People experiencing a depression relapse may express irritability. They may be moody and express anger or snap at others unexpectedly. This emotional shift can significantly affect mental health. Others may become angry quickly or convey strong emotions indicating they don’t want to be bothered.
Feeling unworthy
Depression commonly leaves one feeling worthless. A person may feel undeserving of the good things in life. Feelings of low self-worth can be a depressive episode symptom frequently seen in major depression or a depressive disorder. This may be true if the person has experienced a previous episode or is at risk of recurrence. In a primary care setting, early recognition of these thoughts can support timely intervention and help in preventing relapse.
Feeling hopeless as a sign of depression relapse
Feeling hopeless for an extended period may be a strong indicator of a depression relapse.
Some of these symptoms can be a response to the ups and downs of regular life. However, if the feeling persists for longer than two weeks, it can be a sign of a depression relapse.
In addition, a depression relapse may lead to thoughts of self-harm. Thoughts of self-harm can be a red flag indicating you need immediate help.
Depression resource
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Text or call 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Support is available 24/7. If you are experiencing trauma, support is available.
Reasons for a depression relapse
People with a history of mental illness, like major depressive disorder, can experience a relapse. A relapse in symptoms may occur without warning or outside influence. Some people may experience a depression episode, even while being treated for previous symptoms. Because of the state of this mental illness and how it can affect people differently, it is possible anyone with depression may experience a relapse.
Some people have triggers for their depressive recurrences
- Stressful events, such as taking a test, meeting a deadline, losing a job, or feeling burned out
- The unexpected loss or passing of a loved one or pet
- Hormonal changes
- Family structure changes, such as a child moving out or a divorce
- Recalling or ruminating on hurtful memories or mistakes
It’s also common to quit depression treatments too soon, increasing the risk of relapse and recurrence
You could be more vulnerable to a relapse if you don’t stick with your treatment plan. Monitoring your symptoms regularly can help identify early warning signs and reduce the risk of recurrence. If you notice changes in your mood during your treatment, it can be best to contact your doctor or therapist to review or revise your plan. It can be common for people with major depression to have their provider change their treatment plan over time.
Effective mental health treatment options for depression relapse
In general, depression is a mental illness that requires ongoing treatment to improve or sustain good mental health. People are encouraged to seek treatment as soon as they recognize symptoms returning. Prioritizing mental health care can make a significant difference in recovery. Effective treatment plans may include medication, therapy, or both, along with lifestyle changes. Never start or stop any form of medication without consulting your doctor. Effective treatment will also depend on any comorbid conditions, such as anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and so on, that would also need to be addressed.
Emotional support through psychotherapy treatment as part of primary care
Psychotherapy can provide emotional support, education, and strategies for reducing symptoms and engaging in relationships with others. Integrating therapy into primary care can make mental health support more accessible. It can be common for people coping with relapses of major depression to work with a therapist. Two forms of therapy are often used to help people navigate a depression relapse:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
You may work with a therapist to explore thought patterns that may contribute to depression symptoms. Together, you can strategize a plan to manage negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
You may work with a therapist focusing on developing and establishing healthy, positive interactions with others. This approach is often used to help people with major depression or a depressive disorder, especially following a previous episode or during acute depression.
Proactive coping strategies, such as intentional self-care
People managing depression are often encouraged to practice proactive ways to cope with their relapse. These may include reconnecting with friends or family, learning to focus on positive thoughts, and creating a regular sleep schedule to improve sleeping habits and overall mental health.
You can also practice self-care by taking good care of yourself. This can involve doing things that help you feel your best, such as exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet. Try to keep in mind that a relapse doesn’t mean you can’t get better. Just as you recovered before, you may do so again.
Ways to prevent a depression relapse
Navigating a relapse usually involves learning ways to prevent your symptoms from returning. You might consider lifestyle changes, such as stress management strategies, improved dietary habits, and regular exercise. It can also be crucial to keep your scheduled appointments with your doctor.
Staying in control of depression and its triggers
Staying in control of depression usually involves making necessary changes to your treatment plan. If you want to make changes to your plan, talk to your doctor before doing so to ensure a safe and effective outcome. Discuss any concerns about medication with your doctor, such as any side effects. In addition, consider keeping a record of your moods in a journal. Having notes about your symptoms often makes it easier to report what you’ve been experiencing when you talk with your medical provider. You may also find it helpful to engage in online or in-person psychotherapy.
Online therapy is a beneficial alternative
Many who are coping with a depression relapse find online therapy to be helpful and convenient. Talking with a therapist online may be more comfortable if you’re not ready for an in-person session. In addition, if you are experiencing depression symptoms, getting to an appointment might present an extra challenge. In this case, online therapy can be beneficial because of the flexibility of scheduling appointments and the ability to attend sessions from home.
Effectiveness of online therapy for a depression relapse treatment
A growing body of evidence argues that online therapy for depression can be a valid treatment option. For instance, a 2023 study suggests that online therapy is generally as effective as face-to-face therapy. If you’re experiencing a depression relapse, please don’t hesitate to seek the professional help you deserve.
Takeaway
Many people can find a successful way to treat depression, including different treatment methods for the symptoms of major depression. However, a relapse in symptoms is not uncommon and often occurs in response to stressful situations. Signs of depression relapse might be similar to your first episode or last episode, but they can also differ. In some cases, individuals may experience acute depression or specific triggers like seasonal depression, depending on the circumstances.
The crucial point is generally to seek help as soon as you notice potential signs of a relapse, starting by talking to your primary care doctor, especially for primary care patients, and reaching out to a therapist for medical advice. An online therapy platform can empower you to talk to a therapist about a depression relapse and begin to move forward. It also includes exploring other treatments and discussing various forms of therapy. A recent systematic review also supports early intervention as a key to reducing the impact of relapse and improving long-term recovery outcomes.
What is a relapse in depression?
A relapse in depression is a return of one’s symptoms of depression. Relapse may often occur after a period of improvement and may involve a depressed mood, fatigue, loss of interest, or other warning signs. A depressive relapse may happen in individuals with major depressive disorder, especially those with previous depressive episodes or a history of recurrent depression.
Relapse may be triggered by stressful life events, certain risk factors, or when an individual is undergoing treatment, such as antidepressant medication or therapy, and then suddenly discontinues it too soon. Effective relapse prevention may include continued depression treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, or mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Seeking help and guidance from a healthcare professional may help you identify potential triggers and develop a long-term plan for preventing relapse and managing depressive episodes more effectively.
How often do people with depression relapse?
Approximately half of all people who experience a first depressive episode will go on to have a depressive relapse in the future. Individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder or recurrent depression may face a higher risk of depression recurrence, especially if certain risk factors like stressful life events or previous depressive episodes are present.
Relapse rates may vary depending on the individual and the treatment method used. Continuing depression treatment, including antidepressant treatment, therapy, or approaches like mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, can be helpful and effective in preventing relapse. Working closely with a healthcare professional may help manage ongoing care and reduce the likelihood of symptoms return after a previous episode.
What is the risk of relapse and recurrence in major depressive disorder?
The risk of relapse in major depressive disorder is approximately 50%. After a second depressive episode, the risk increases to 70% and further increases to 90% after a third previous episode. Understanding both relapse and recurrence is crucial for long-term depression management. Each previous episode compounds as a risk factor for depression recurrence, especially in those with recurrent depression or who have experienced depression.
There may be some effective strategies for preventing relapse, including relapse prevention techniques, such as ongoing therapy, antidepressant treatment, mood stabilizers, and regular exercise. In some severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy or alternative pharmacologic treatment may be considered by healthcare professionals. According to the World Health Organization, early intervention and consistent treatment can lower relapse rates and support the long-term recovery of individuals.
Can you relapse on antidepressants?
It is possible to relapse while you are taking medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or mood stabilizers. However, it is less likely than if you were to discontinue your medication. Receiving maintenance treatment for major depressive disorder or major depression through other means, such as psychotherapy—especially in conjunction with pharmacologic treatment—can also reduce the risk or severity of future depressive episodes.
It also helps to avoid certain habits or actions that can make depression worse. First, it’s important to treat depression as soon as possible—resist “waiting it out,” even if you don’t think it will last long. Seek treatment for concurrent conditions such as anxiety disorders, and avoid skipping out on or prematurely ceasing any current treatment with medication, including long-term antidepressants and psychosocial treatment, and therapy, which can lead to an incomplete recovery, recurrence of symptoms, and a renewal of the depression’s severity.
Monitoring warning signs, attending regular follow-up appointments, and working with providers in a primary care setting can help in preventing relapse and managing the course of a new episode.
Is it common for depressed people to relapse?
It is common—but far from guaranteed—to relapse with depression. Over half of all people who are treated for major depression, major depressive disorder, or anxiety will have a recurrence or relapse in symptoms within a year. Preventing relapse protocol, including adherence to medication and participation in a talk therapy (such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy) or psychosocial treatment support group, can decrease the risk of relapse. Regular exercise, meditation, quality sleep, and a well-balanced diet can also reduce the risks of certain factors that contribute to relapse.
The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Mental Health recommend that you don’t stop your long-term antidepressants without consulting your doctor, as this can contribute to a new episode, worsening symptoms, or a relapse. Ongoing follow-up care and monitoring of warning signs are important steps in managing depressive episodes and sustaining recovery.
At what stage does relapse occur?
Relapse can occur at any stage of mental health recovery. Watching for warning signs, such as changes in your sleep patterns or mood, can help you realize that relapse is on the horizon. Problem-solving these warning signs and symptoms before a relapse occurs can help with preventing relapse and reduce the chances of another major depressive episode or depressive relapse.
Knowing potential triggers like stressful life events or a lingering depressed mood is important, especially for those with a history of major depressive disorder or recurrent depression. Proactive relapse prevention strategies, such as interpersonal therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and proper antidepressant treatment, may lower the risk of a new episode. If symptoms return, contact a healthcare professional to adjust your treatment plan.
What is the consequence of relapse?
The consequence of a relapse in depression is the return of symptoms and possibly unhealthy coping strategies. Someone whose major depression or major depressive disorder returns may feel self-loathing and low self-esteem. They may turn away from friends and family, show signs of social withdrawal, and may experience substance abuse or weight gain caused by binge eating.
A relapse may indicate a new episode or a continuation of a previous episode, especially if warning signs were overlooked. Without any specific or proper treatment, there is an increased risk of worsening symptoms or even self-harm. Some strategies for preventing relapse may include therapy, the use of long-term antidepressants, or supportive interventions like psychosocial treatment.
Monitoring and managing depressive episodes through ongoing care in a primary care setting, combined with guidance from primary care providers, can reduce the likelihood of recurrence and help individuals regain stability.
What does a relapse feel like?
A relapse feels like symptoms return of your depression or the appearance of new symptoms. You may feel hopeless, have trouble falling or staying asleep, seem stuck in a depressed mood, or feel like most daily life activities require too much effort. You also may notice that the voice of your inner critic has returned, that you’ve lost interest in activities you once enjoyed, or that you’re avoiding friends and family members, a common sign of social withdrawal.
For individuals with major depressive disorder or who have experienced depression, a relapse may feel like a new episode or a continuation of a previous episode. It may also signal a recurrence of depressive episodes, especially if certain warning signs are missed. Addressing these symptoms early through therapy, treatment, or long-term antidepressants may support recovery and avoid severe conditions. For those in a primary care setting, primary care providers may help monitor ongoing symptoms and manage the risk of relapse effectively.
Is relapse permanent?
A relapse in depression is not inherently permanent, but it is vital to seek support to reduce the condition’s severity and longevity by:
- Seeking support from a mental healthcare professional.
- Considering medication, such as antidepressant treatment, on a short- or long-term basis. Ensure that you take your prescriptions on time and at the correct dosages. Ask your psychiatrist or a pharmacist about whether or not antidepressants may interact with certain factors in your life, such as other medical conditions.
- Employing healthy coping strategies such as regular exercise, nutrition, socializing, and managing sleep patterns. Positive thinking is another skill that can counteract depressive episodes and symptoms and help in preventing relapse.
- Take care of yourself. Do things that make you feel better, practice healthy hygiene, and give your body and mind a rest from time to time.
Individuals with major depressive disorder, recurrent depression, or a previous episode, relapse can be more common. Still, with proper treatment, including therapy, mood stabilizers, or even mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, long-term stability is often achievable. Monitoring warning signs and addressing potential triggers early can significantly reduce the risk of a depressive relapse or depression recurrence.
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