Depression relapse refers to the recurrence of depressive symptoms after a period of improvement or uplift after experiencing the effects of a depressive disorder. Individuals who have experienced major depressive disorder may find themselves facing symptoms like sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
Over half of all people who undergo treatment for depression will experience depression relapse. It isn’t a mark of personal failure or weakness to experience this phenomenon. But the cycle of treatment and relapse can be distressing, especially if the person has been actively working on their mental health. It may even occur if a person is taking medication or undergoing targeted therapy.
Recognizing depression relapse can often be a gradual process, with symptoms potentially differing from past experiences with depression. It isn’t a sign that the person is “doomed” to have depression forever. However it should be observed and dealt with in a constructive manner so that recovery (or learning how to manage depression) can continue.
What Can Cause Depression Relapse?
Several factors can contribute to the onset of a depression relapse. Recognizing these triggers is essential for managing and preventing relapses in the future. Individuals may also have individual triggers that, if unmanaged or not avoided, can make their depression worse.
Significant life changes, such as the loss of a job, the end of a relationship, or the death of a loved one, can profoundly impact a person’s life and lead to a depression relapse.
Skipping therapy sessions or not taking medication can reduce the effectiveness of treatment and increase the chances of relapse.
A toxic living environment or lack of social support can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation, contributing to a relapse.
A disruption in a person’s hormonal chemistry, such as from menopause or changes to medication, can drastically increase the rate of depression relapse.
Using drugs or alcohol to cope with emotional pain can worsen symptoms of depression and contribute to relapse by not providing sustainable recovery.
Each individual may experience different triggers, making it essential for individuals and their support systems to be aware of their specific risk factors. This empowers individuals to develop coping strategies tailored to their unique situations. It pays to take notes from previous depressive episodes and be critical of what triggered those incidents.
Setting up an environment of support can both help alleviate the symptoms of depression and help prevent relapses from taking place at all. Suppose an individual is aware of their personal warning signs of depression, such as taking excessive naps or forgetting to take antidepressant medication. In that case, their support system can help them stay aware and speak up when they start seeing emerging signs of depression.
Signs of Depression Relapse
Early identification of depression relapse can be vital in seeking help and shortening the cycle. Common symptoms may include:
- Recurrent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Changes in appetite, weight loss, or weight gain
- Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Concentration difficulties or indecisiveness
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
In addition to these symptoms, individuals may also experience emotional volatility. This may lead to confusion for themselves and their support system. They may not recognize it as an episode of depression, or rule it out because the person is already receiving treatment for depression.
If you notice a combination of these symptoms, it’s important to reach out for help. Your treatment team for depression will be receptive to hearing about your feelings and may suggest changing your treatment plan to a better plan for relapses.
It’s worth noting that the triggers for a depression relapse can vary significantly from person to person. Stressful life events, changes in routine, or even seasonal changes can serve as catalysts for a return of depressive symptoms. Periods of social withdrawal can agitate depression, as can sleep disturbances. Recognizing personal triggers is crucial for success, allowing individuals to develop coping strategies and preventive measures.
What to Do for Preventing Relapse When A Relapse is Coming?
When signs of a depression relapse begin to emerge, it is important to have a proactive response. Strategies may include:
- Contact Your Therapist: Reaching out to your therapist can help you gain immediate support and insights into how to cope with your symptoms. They may refer you to support groups or alternate treatments to help you cope in the moment.
- Utilize Physical Coping Strategies: Healthy coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness or engaging in physical activity, can significantly benefit your mental state. Doing an activity “outside your head” and nourishing your body as a whole can go a long way in re-establishing balance.
- Monitor Your Medication: If you are on antidepressant medication, ensure that you are taking it as prescribed. Consult your doctor if you feel adjustments in dosage are necessary or if side effects are becoming unmanageable.
- Engage Your Support System: Talk to family or friends about your feelings, and don’t try to hide your current state of mind (positive or negative). Having a supportive network that understands where you are mentally can provide crucial support.
- Evaluate Lifestyle Choices: If you find yourself regularly at risk of undergoing depression relapse, it’s important to honestly evaluate your current lifestyle. It may become essential to change your daily routine to ensure time and space for physical activity, healthy eating, and healthy sleep patterns.
In addition to responding to immediate symptoms of depression relapse, it can be beneficial to create a personalized relapse prevention plan ahead of time. This plan can include specific triggers you have identified and tailored strategies to counteract them. Sharing this plan with people in your life can open up conversations about your depression and open up possibilities for how they can support you.
Incorporating regular self-care practices into your routine can serve as a buffer against depression relapse. Activities such as yoga, meditation, or even simple hobbies like gardening or painting can foster a sense of accomplishment and joy. These practices not only help to alleviate stress but contribute to a more balanced emotional state overall. The journey of managing depression is ongoing, and being proactive about your mental health can make all the difference in navigating the ups and downs.
Preventing Depression Relapse
Preventing depression relapse requires a proactive approach. Here are some strategies that can help:
Building and maintaining a strong support network of friends, family, and mental health professionals can provide emotional backing and reduce feelings of isolation.
Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as meditation or yoga, can significantly benefit mental well-being.
Regularly monitoring depressive symptoms and seeking help if they worsen can help catch a relapse early and prevent it from escalating.
Participating in activities that bring personal joy and fulfillment can help maintain a positive outlook and prevent depressive symptoms from returning.
Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining good mental health. Establishing a regular sleep routine can help prevent depression relapse.
By incorporating these strategies into daily life, individuals can create a supportive environment that reduces the risk of relapse.
Depression’s Relationship to Addiction
There is a complex relationship between depression and addiction, with the two often co-occurring. Many individuals may find themselves turning to substances to cope with their depressive symptoms, leading to a cycle of dependency that can worsen both conditions.
Prolonged substance abuse can lead to changes in brain chemistry that may trigger or exacerbate depressive episodes. Recurrent depression can cause individuals to fluctuate between different emotional or mental states, complicating the relationship with addictive substances. This emphasizes the importance of dual diagnosis treatment, where addiction treatment takes co-occurring mental illnesses into account when designing treatment plans.
When healing from addiction, it’s important to develop strategies for proper medication management for the time outside of a treatment program. Depression relapse is much more likely to occur if a person is inconsistent with taking prescribed treatments. If a medication is prescribed specifically for depression, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, it’s important to maintain a consistent regimen to prevent any unnecessary hormonal flux.
Receive Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Depression and Addiction at Cypress Lake Recovery
At Cypress Lake Recovery, we specialize in providing integrated treatment options for individuals facing both depression and addiction. Our dual diagnosis program is designed to address the unique needs of each patient, ensuring that both conditions are treated concurrently.
Through our evidence-based therapeutic interventions and trained professionals, we create personalized treatment plans that focus on recovery from both mental health and substance use disorders.
By choosing Cypress Lake Recovery, you are not only taking a step towards overcoming addiction but also addressing the underlying issues of depression that may be contributing to your struggles. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care, guiding you toward a healthier and more fulfilling life. Contact us to learn more today.
