It can be disheartening to re-experience depression after you think you’ve been cured. Luckily, there are many effective ways to manage any recurring symptoms and prevent relapses. Learn more at https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/mental-health/depression/depression-relapse-prevention/
The day you graduated from your depression treatment program, you probably felt a weight lifted off your shoulders. You came away from your treatment center convinced that you’d never be troubled by depression again… But weeks or months later, you start to notice your symptoms coming back, leaving you disappointed or even frightened.
In truth, depression relapses are more common than you think. In fact, half of depression patients will experience at least one relapse episode after treatment. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be cured - it’s all about getting the right treatment and adopting the strategies that work for you.
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world, affecting an estimated 21 million adults in the United States alone, according to Mental Health America. Although many forms of therapy can effectively treat depression, at least 50% of patients will experience a resurgence in symptoms following their treatment period.
Depression may recur for a number of reasons, with some common causes being stressful life events or significant medical diagnoses; experts also say that patients who stop treatment prematurely are also at heightened risk for a relapse.
Depression relapses can creep up on you when you least expect it, but there are some clear warning signs. These include typical symptoms of depression, such as prolonged feelings of sadness or hopelessness, a loss of enjoyment in pleasurable activities, a return to negative thought patterns, brain fog, and persistent irritability. You may also experience sleeping problems, changes in appetite, fatigue, body aches, and other health complications.
If your symptoms worsen, you may even find yourself withdrawing from social situations and, in severe instances, entertaining thoughts of suicide. In the case of the latter, you should definitely get help immediately.
If you’ve had the aforementioned symptoms for more than two weeks, you are likely experiencing a depression relapse and would benefit from re-entering therapy. Certain professional approaches, such as mindfulness-based therapy (MBCT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), are particularly well-suited for depression, often providing patients with long-term relief from the disorder. Licensed mental health providers like Mission Connection can offer these at varying levels of intensity, depending on what you need.
You can also consider joining recovery groups, which allow you to meet fellow patients and participate in social activities designed to boost moods. While recovery groups are usually run by peers rather than professionals, they can complement treatment, as they are effective at alleviating feelings of isolation and other symptoms associated with depression. Misery shared is misery halved, right? And having someone who understands you at a spiritual level can really help you through the worst of your days.
But symptom management can also take place at home. In fact, adopting coping strategies will help you better manage relapses independently. Experts recommend activities and lifestyle changes like guided meditation, journaling, exercising, eating healthy, and maintaining strong social connections; studies have shown that these are among the most effective at relieving depression symptoms.
No matter what you choose to do, you don’t have to manage your depression relapses alone. Reach out to the right treatment center, and they’ll give you the tools you need to overcome the disorder.
Visit the link in the description to find out more. Mission Connection City: San Juan Capistrano Address: 30310 Rancho Viejo Rd. Website: https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/