Depression Relapse: What You Need to Know
Sometimes, when someone feels better after major depression, they think it’s all over. But sadly, depression can come back. This is called a depression relapse. It’s when a person starts to feel depressive symptoms again after getting better.
If you or someone you love has had previous episodes of depression, it’s important to learn the signs of depression relapse and how to stop it early. Let’s talk about how to spot the signs, get help, and feel better again.
What Is a Depression Relapse?
A depression relapse means the return of depressive symptoms after getting better. It’s not a new problem—it’s the same mental disorder coming back.
This can happen weeks or even months after an episode of depression. Many people who have had depressive episodes before are at risk of relapse, especially if they stop treatment of depression too soon.
Why Does Depression Come Back?
There are many risk factors that make someone more likely to have a depressive relapse:
- History of depression or recurrent depression
- Stress at home, school, or work
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Negative thought patterns
- Stopping therapy sessions or medication
- Problems with physical health or other medical conditions
Even people who have recovered from severe depression may feel sad again. This doesn’t mean the treatment didn’t work. It just means they need long-term treatment and support.
Signs of a Depression Relapse
Watch for these depression relapse symptoms. These are potential signs that someone may be going through a new episode of depression:
- Feeling sad most of the time
- Tired all day
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Not enjoying things you used to love
- Staying away from friends (Social Withdrawal)
- Trouble focusing
- Feeling worthless
- Thoughts about dying or hurting yourself
If these signs of relapse show up again, it’s time to get help. You are not alone.
Who Is Most at Risk?
People who have had more than one recurrent episode of depression are more likely to have a recurrence of depression.
Here are some prognostic factors that increase the risk for relapse:
- Family history of depression
- Ongoing stress or trauma
- Poor sleep patterns
- Late-life depression
- Being alone or having no support
- Negative affect (feeling sad or angry all the time)
Some individual studies and primary studies show a positive association between depressive disorder and things like marital status, demographic factors, and genetic factors. In other words, your family, your body, and your life situation can all play a role.
How to Stop Depression From Coming Back
Stopping a relapse of depression means working closely with a mental health professional. The good news is there are many treatments for depression that help keep symptoms away.
Here are some ways to prevent subsequent episodes:
1. Stay in Therapy
- Keep going to cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, or interpersonal therapy
- Try Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to handle stress
2. Keep Taking Medicine
- Don’t stop taking your initial antidepressant unless your healthcare professional says it’s safe
- Some people need maintenance therapy for months or even years
3. Watch for Symptoms
- Write down how you feel each day
- Look for changes in mood, sleep, or energy
- Share any changes with your therapist
4. Live Healthy
- Eat good food
- Exercise
- Get enough sleep
- Avoid drugs and alcohol
5. Stay Connected
- Talk to friends and family
- Don’t keep feelings inside
- Ask for help when you need it
How Do Doctors Know If It’s a Relapse?
A diagnosis of depression is made by looking at symptoms of depression and your mental health condition history. Doctors use neuroimaging studies, clinical trials, and primary analysis to better understand affective disorders and depressive illness.
They also look at things like:
- Inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria in your medical history
- Risk ratio, hazard ratio, or confidence interval from past randomized, placebo-controlled trials
- Reports from Study 1, Study 2, Study 3, and Study 4 (like the one from Frank E or Frank et al)
Even though these sound complicated, your mental health professional will help you understand what it means for you.
What Happens If You Ignore a Relapse?
Ignoring a depressive recurrence can lead to chronic depression. This means the sadness stays for a long time and can get worse.
Depression in adults that’s left untreated may lead to:
- Trouble with school or work
- Problems in relationships
- More subsequent relapse
- Physical symptoms like pain or sickness
- Thinking about death
But there’s hope. With help, people can recover and feel good again.
Long-Term Effects of Depression Relapse
Having recurrent depression or multiple episodes of depression can have long-term effects, like:
- Trouble trusting yourself
- Losing confidence
- Feeling stuck
- Needing more care later
That’s why early care, support, and treatment for depression are so important.
Psychological Treatments That Help
Some psychological therapies help people avoid relapse:
- Cognitive therapy helps change negative thought patterns
- Behavioral therapy helps with actions and choices
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy helps people stay calm and focused
If you are looking for help, check out our Depression Treatment in Nashville page to learn more.
Medication for Depression Relapse
Doctors might use:
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- SSRIs or other medicine
- Double-blind placebo-controlled study drugs in clinical testing
The right medicine depends on your body, history, and other prognostic effects or prescriptive effects.
Always talk to a healthcare professional before changing or stopping any treatment.
How to Talk About Depression Relapse
It’s okay to talk about how you feel. Here are some tips:
- Use simple words
- Say, “I feel sad again” or “I think it’s coming back”
- Ask, “Can we talk?” or “Can you help me?”
Talking makes things better. You are not a burden.
FAQs About Depression Relapse
1. What causes a depression relapse?
A relapse can be caused by stress, stopping treatment too soon, or other risk factors like lack of sleep or major life changes.
2. How can I tell if I’m having a relapse?
Look for signs of depression relapse like sadness, tiredness, and not enjoying things. These symptoms of depression should not be ignored.
3. Can therapy stop a relapse?
Yes! Interpersonal therapy, cognitive therapy, and Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy help prevent recurrent depression.
4. Is it safe to stop antidepressants after feeling better?
Not always. Talk to your healthcare professional before stopping any medicine. Stopping too soon may raise the risk of depression relapse.
5. How long does a depression relapse last?
It’s different for everyone. With help, many people feel better in a few weeks or months. Long-term treatment helps prevent more episodes of depression.
Final Thoughts
Depression relapse can be scary, but it’s not the end. With support, good treatment, and healthy choices, people can recover again and again.
If you’ve had previous episodes of major depression, keep watch for signs of relapse, and don’t wait to get help.
Learn more about treatment for depression and take steps to feel better today. You deserve a healthy, happy life. Visit SAMHA or contact us today for more information.
