Grasping the recurrence of depression

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Grasping the recurrence of depression

The indicators of a depression relapse may manifest as social seclusion, exhaustion, and agitation, and can differ each time. Identifying these early warning signs might aid in preventing a more intense episode.

Many individuals who encounter their first instance of depression will subsequently lead a healthy life. However, depression can reoccur multiple times throughout an individual's lifespan.

Researchers are still uncertain as to why some people experience a relapse and others do not, but treatment options are available to assist individuals in navigating through a relapse.

This article focuses on the indications of a return, potential triggers, and methods for preventing, treating, and coping with this condition.

What constitutes a depression relapse?

Occasional bouts of melancholy or a loss of interest in day-to-day activities are a normal part of life. However, if these feelings persist almost daily or begin to impact work or social interactions, a person may be experiencing depression.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects approximately 1 in 4 adults worldwide.

A 2020 study suggests that depression can recur in two ways:

  • Relapse: When symptoms resurface or worsen during recovery from an earlier episode. This affects approximately 50% of people with depression and may be more likely within 6 months of receiving psychosocial treatment for a previous episode.
  • Recurrence: When symptoms return after a person has fully recovered from a previous episode. Recurrence is less common than relapse.

The study's authors suggest that relapses can also affect depression severity and a person's response to treatment. An individual who experiences multiple depressive episodes is at a higher risk of future relapses and recurrences.

Explore some of the common symptoms of depression.

12 early indicators of a depression relapse

A person may recognize the same core warning signs of depression they experienced during previous episodes, but sometimes, symptoms can differ.

The study lists the following warning signs of depression:

  • a depressive mood
  • loss of interest in activities a person once enjoyed
  • anxiety
  • fatigue, even after good sleep
  • agitation and irritability
  • restlessness
  • changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping
  • changes in appetite
  • feelings of worthlessness and guilt
  • problems with concentration and memory
  • physical aches and pains, including:
    • unexplained headaches
    • stomach aches
    • muscle pain
  • suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide

Suicide prevention

If you suspect someone is at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Contact 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • If it's safe to do so, try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can offer help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Find more links and local resources.

Potential triggers

According to the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, Various triggers can cause a relapse or recurrence of depression, including:

  • stressful life events during or after recovery, such as:
    • family conflict
    • relationship changes
    • grief
  • incomplete recovery, which can result from stopping treatment early
  • alcohol and drugs
  • medical conditions, such as heart disease and cancer

Factors that increase the risk of depression relapse

A study suggests the following factors may increase the risk of depression recurrence:

  • depression episode severity
  • depression episode frequency
  • early age onset of first depressive episode
  • immune system irregularities
  • family history of depression
  • history of suicide attempts
  • being female
  • older age

Learn more about what depression feels like.

4 strategies for preventing a relapse

These prevention tactics may help stop depression from returning:

  • Completing treatment: Completing the entire course of a prescribed medication can significantly reduce the risk of relapse, especially during the critical 6 months after treatment begins.
  • Mindfulness-based therapies: People who had mindfulness-based cognitive therapy had a lower risk of depression relapse after 60 weeks than people who did not or people who had other treatments.
  • Informing friends and family: Informing friends and family about the warning signs to look out for might help identify an episode early.
  • Preparing for a relapse: It may be helpful to develop a plan so that, if warning signs do appear, the individual can act quickly. A doctor can help with this.

Learn about methods to avoid depression.

Managing and coping with a relapse

When bothersome symptoms re-emerge during treatment, it may indicate that the current treatment is not working as effectively as it should. In such cases, a doctor may recommend adjusting the treatment approach or increasing the medication dosage.

Treatments that can assist with depression include:

  • Talking Sessions: Techniques like interpersonal therapy (IPT), cognitive restructuring therapy (CRT), or a blend of both could potentially aid in handling depression and lessening the likelihood of a recurrence.
  • Medication: Certain individuals might benefit from medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers. Adhering to the prescribed dosage and medication schedule by the doctor can minimize the possibility of another depressive episode.
  • Physical Activity: Participating in physical exercises triggers the release of endorphins, which substantially enhance mood. Research indicates that exercise holds similar efficacy as other depression treatment methods without any unpleasant side effects.
  • Electric Shock Treatment: In certain instances, a doctor may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Yet, not everyone qualifies for this treatment, and it may take several sessions to witness benefits.

When grappling with depression, it can be challenging to stimulate the willpower for new or even routine tasks. Here are some tricks for coping with this hurdle.

Search for the answer to depression.

Perspective

Depression can significantly disrupt an individual's life, but treatments can alleviate symptoms and decrease the duration of depression episodes.

The chance of depression resurfacing after a more serious initial episode increases. Simultaneously, the presence of other issues, such as an anxiety disorder, can escalate the risk.

Actively caring for each fresh episode can enhance the long-term prognosis for individuals struggling with depression. Individuals can discuss treatment and management strategies with a healthcare professional.

Explore what might set off anxiety.

Overview

Depression might recur during or following a person's recovery. Factors like the severity of the last episode, the frequency of episodes, and other health issues could raise the risk of depression recurrence.

If a person is grappling with depression relapse or recurrence, they should consult with a healthcare expert regarding treatment options.

Manageable strategies that could potentially avert a relapse or recurrence of depression include regular exercise or engaging in talk therapies.

  • For individuals with multiple depression episodes, the risk of future relapses and recurrences is higher.
  • Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, can worsen symptoms of depression, particularly during the winter months.
  • Certain medications, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers, can help manage symptoms of depression and reduce the risk of relapse.
  • Crohn's disease and other autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS), can increase the risk of experiencing depression.
  • Eczema, a common skin disease, has been linked to an increased risk of depression and anxiety. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients may also experience depression as a side effect due to the disease itself or its treatment.

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