9 signs of depression relapse

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In any psychological intervention, relapses are a reality. Whether with more or less intensity, whether in the intervention period or in the follow-up period, there is not always progress nor is it linear. Now, what are the signs that should put us on alert?

Few realities raise more concern than a relapse of depression. However, it is important to note that losing some of the progress made in the intervention during the follow-up period is common.

What usually complicates the design of a new intervention to stop and stop relapse are maladaptive thoughts regarding the self. At these moments, the person usually sees their self-esteem hurt, feeling weak or unreliable. However, at these times it also works in the person’s favor to know the enemy well and know what the first step is.

At this time, asking for help is necessary. It is good that the second measure is aimed at stopping the thoughts that feed, in turn, feelings of helplessness, shame or guilt. At the end of the day, these sensations and self-perceptions only aggravate one’s own discomfort.

The way we face this relapse will be decisive; Therefore, having specialized help will be crucial.

It is also decisive to know how to detect changes in the indicators associated with depression. It is important to highlight that, although It is common to experience the same symptoms as the first time, sometimes new characteristics are added. Let us, therefore, analyze the symptoms associated with relapses.

It is estimated that a third of people who stop both therapy and treatments relapse into depression in the following months.

When a person relapses into depression, it is common for them to experience feelings of guilt and shame.

What should put us on alert regarding a relapse?

We may wonder why there are people who are able to overcome depression without relapsing.. It is true that there are multiple factors, but perhaps the first is the quality of the intervention and the second is the person’s propensity to adopt certain lifestyle habits that are more compatible with certain thoughts, such as those of inadequacy.

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Thus, an investigation by the National Library of Medicine highlights a fact. About a third of people who stop taking both medication and therapy sessions to treat depression early relapse within a year. There are always residual dimensions, unresolved knots and strategies to learn that can favor this reappearance.

Likewise, we must also understand one factor. Recovery from a psychological disorder is never static or linear and returning to this condition is common. It is even part of that healing process. Let’s not blame ourselves for it, let’s limit ourselves to taking responsibility for what happens to us when facing that reality.

Knowing the signs of depression relapse is essential.

1. Emotional dullness: I don’t feel anything

One of the obvious characteristics of the return of depression is beginning to disconnect from what surrounds us. Little by little, you stop experiencing emotions in situations that, generally, should make us feel joy, happiness, sadness or even anguish.

Life begins to feel at lower decibels and motivation and interest in working, socializing or enjoying leisure are reduced.

Emotional dullness is usually a sign of unhealed and latent depression in the person. Also post-traumatic stress disorder.

2. Not wanting to go out: I’d better stay home

It’s true, sometimes you don’t feel like going out to dinner, going to a concert, visiting friends or family. However, one of the signs of depression relapse is an increasingly evident desire to stay home. For not going out. For leaving the world behind a door.

The missing energy to go to work, to do the shopping, pick up the children from school… Being, in essence, that person who is socially active and interested in life.

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3. Changes in sleep: sleeping more or not being able to sleep

Sleep disturbances are always a recurring symptom in mood disorders. Not only can insomnia appear or waking up tired due to interrupted and unrefreshing sleep. Sometimes, We can also experience hypersomnia, that is, sleeping excessively, having a persistent need to close our eyes and get away from everything.

4. Self-criticism and irritability: everything is unbearable

Almost without knowing how, one begins to be the worst company for one’s loved ones. We lack patience, we feel more irritable and hypersensitive, everything bothers us, everything worries us and puts us on alert. This attitude often leads to arguments with others, into uncomfortable moments that, in the long run, make us feel worse about ourselves.

Self-criticism and devaluing ourselves are other signs of relapse in depression. The mind turns against us, we stop being compassionate with ourselves and this leads us day by day into a clear drift towards discomfort.

5. Brain fog: when thinking is exhausting

Making decisions, concentrating on something, reflecting and even remembering simple things becomes complicated. Brain fog is a cognitive symptom of depressive disorders that we cannot ignore. Confusion, suffering from forgetfulness and noticing how difficult it is for us to plan tasks They are signs that we cannot neglect.

6. Changes in diet: from lack of appetite to binge eating

There are those who lose their appetite and pleasure from eating. On the other hand, other people begin to relate inappropriately to food. They resort to binge eating, to inappropriate eating, to those that choose high-calorie products only for the pleasure they generate in the brain.

Let’s keep it in mind, The bond we establish with food is often a clear reflection of our state of mind. We do not overlook this factor.

Losing your appetite or experiencing a constant urge to eat can be signs of a depressive disorder.

7. Loss of sexual desire: when you don’t feel like it

It is very common that, when there is latent depression, sexual desire fades. In the intimate life of a couple, that distance under the sheets, that lack of appetite or realities such as erectile dysfunction can be an unavoidable symptom of a latent psychological problem.

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8. Somatic symptoms: when the body speaks

Back pain, digestive or intestinal disorders, unexplained fatigue, headaches, hair loss, increased tendency to infections…

Another sign of depression relapse is the appearance of health alterations, of somatic symptoms that do not always have a specific biological origin. The trigger, in these cases, is emotional.

Relapse into depression is accompanied by feelings of worthlessness and loss of control over one’s life.

9. Feelings of worthlessness: I am worthless

“What’s the point of it all? “Why am I trying if nothing goes well and I have no control over what happens to me?” If we could hear the thoughts of someone navigating the ocean of depression and his relapse, we would be scared. The feeling of worthlessness and self-hatred is like a persistent echo in your mind.

The importance of asking for help

We cannot conclude this article without focusing on what was stated at the beginning. Relapse into depression is not the end of the world, it is not a symptom of our fallibility or our weakness.. Each person shows a process in their own healing, not all of us succeed the first time. Relapse is more common than we think.

Therefore, it is important to request specialized help. So, Cognitive therapy focused on mindfulness, for example, is very effective in avoiding relapses in depression. Let’s take responsibility for ourselves and take the step.

Asking for help is an exercise in courage that will allow us to acquire adequate skills to leave that situation behind.