Is depression back? (Depression Relapse) Don't be afraid, let's talk about this!

As you recover from depression, do you feel like those dark feelings are creeping back into your life? I understand how frustrating and discouraging it can be. But the most important thing you need to know is that this is not your fault or your weakness. Depression is a condition that can happen more than once in your life. So don't worry, you are not alone. Let's take a closer look at this condition and how to deal with it.

How do you know when depression is coming back? (early signs)

The symptoms of depression can vary greatly from person to person. Think back to the last time you felt depressed. That's the best way to identify your own early warning signs. You can also ask your family and friends, "Have you noticed anything different lately?"

These are some of the common early signs.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, please do not ignore them. The best thing to do is to talk to your family doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist as soon as possible and start treatment again.

Can depression be prevented from recurring?

Yes, to some extent we can try to prevent this. The best way to do that is to take good care of yourself. Simply put , self-care .

• Take your medication exactly as prescribed: Even if you feel well, take the medication your doctor prescribed exactly as prescribed, for the full duration. This is very important.
• Attend therapy: Don't miss your therapy appointments.
• Sleep well: Getting enough sleep is essential for mental health.
• Exercise: Get some exercise every day. Even just going for a walk is good enough.
• Eat well: Eat a nutritious diet.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs: These can make depression worse.
• Reduce stress: Manage stress through things like meditation, yoga, journaling, and listening to your favorite songs.

Sometimes things like work problems or family conflicts can be triggers for your depression to flare up again. If you're about to make a big change, like a new job, be aware of that too. During these times, take some time to relax and do something you enjoy. Also, never hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, and your treatment team.

What are the treatments for recurrent depression?

To prevent depression from recurring or getting worse, you definitely need the help of a medical professional. There are several treatment options, sometimes used in combination.

Drug treatment (Antidepressants)

Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants for you. If you are already taking medication, they may be able to adjust the dosage or switch you to another medication.

Sometimes, your doctor may combine these medications with other medications (e.g., mood stabilizers).

Psychotherapy

We also call this simply "talk therapy." It helps you understand your problems, especially the new issues that have contributed to your depression resurfacing. Two of the most commonly used methods are:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This teaches you to identify negative thoughts and behavior patterns that are causing your depression and replace them with more realistic, healthier thoughts and actions.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): This therapy helps you resolve difficult relationships with others, which may be contributing to your depression.

Other treatments

If depression is severe, life-threatening, or does not respond to medication, doctors may recommend other treatments.

• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): This is done under general anesthesia. It is thought to help change brain function and improve the efficiency of the parts of the brain that regulate emotions.
• Other brain stimulation therapies: Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) are also used.

How can you help yourself?

While you're getting treatment, there are things you can do to help yourself. Depression isn't something you can "just forget about," but you can take steps to improve your mood and outlook.

Here are some more things that might help you:

• Be active, exercise.
• Try doing something you used to enjoy. Go see a movie, go to a sports game.
• Set small goals that you can manage. Break down large tasks into chunks, prioritize them, and only do what you can do without feeling pressured.
• Try to spend time with others. Talk to a trusted friend or relative about your feelings. Don't be alone, let others help you.
• Postpone making big decisions like marriage, divorce, or changing jobs until you are more comfortable. Before making such decisions, talk to someone who knows you well and can give you an impartial opinion.
• Negative thoughts are a part of depression. Remember, as your depression improves with treatment, positive thoughts will replace them.

Depression, Mental Health, Depression Relapse, Antidepressants, Psychotherapy, CBT, Stress