Depression is a complex disorder that requires a concerted effort to treat. Most forms of depression are chronic, lifelong disorders and need daily management, just like high blood pressure or diabetes. It’s possible to lower your chances of a relapse by taking good care of yourself and following your therapist’s recommendations. Without staying on top of those treatment recommendations, a recurrence becomes inevitable. Around 50% of people who’ve had one depressive episode will have another. Of those, 80 percent will go on to have multiple episodes of depression.
Relapse Triggers in Depression
When our stress-coping levels are reduced, depression becomes more likely. Some relapse triggers can be impossible to avoid, like injuries or getting sick. Illness or injury are two significant causes of a recurrence of depression. A person who enjoys exercise and outdoor activities who suffers a broken bone may lose their primary stress coping mechanism while they’re stuck inside. Another person who develops a chronic illness may be unable to socialize, becoming isolated and lonely.
However, the most common trigger for a relapse in depression is not following through on your mental healthcare professional’s treatment plan. Clients and therapists create the treatment plan together and it’s tailored to fit each client’s unique needs. Not following the treatment plan by skipping therapy sessions or not taking medications as they are prescribed will lead to a relapse.
People may also stop following a treatment plan for reasons like side-effects from antidepressants. Therapy sessions might start seeming unnecessary. Sometimes, people sabotage themselves with their own success. They feel good, it’s been a long time since they suffered through a depressive episode. It can be easy to think depression has gone away for good, but that’s not the case. Quitting treatment ensures another episode of depression is on its way.
Sure, it can be tiring, even monotonous to stay compliant with your treatment plan day in, day out, every day. But depression doesn’t go away and it won’t vanish. Managing one’s depression is much, much easier when you keep on top of it. If you’re having problems with your medication, get in touch with your mental healthcare provider. If something comes up in your life that you’re struggling with, make an appointment with your therapist. It’s so much better to address issues before they trigger a full-blow depressive collapse.
Damaris Aragon, ARNP, BC provides a full spectrum of mental health care to people in Spokane, Washington, and surrounding areas. She focuses on providing personalized, compassionate care that adheres to current evidence-based standards. Reach out to Damaris through her contact page or calling 509-342-6592.
