The cases of depression are increasing rapidly throughout the world. Some people with major depression experience symptoms only once in their lives, while others have them repeatedly. This latter condition is known as a depression relapse.
What is depression relapse?
Many people go through sadness or loss of interest in their daily activities as a normal part of their life. Such feelings may stem from various factors like overworking, loss of a loved one, heartbreak, and so on. But if you have these feelings almost daily for two weeks and they begin to affect your social life, you may be experiencing depression. According to the American Psychiatric Association, after the first episode of your depression, the condition may return within a few days.
A depression relapse happens when the symptoms of depression start to reappear or worsen when you have recovered from an earlier episode. Relapse is more likely to occur within two months of stopping the treatment for your previous depression episode. Once you get the first episode of your condition treated, it is crucial to attend to your feelings. It will help you identify possible signs of a relapse.
Here are the early warning signs of depression relapse:
The feeling of isolation and withdrawal
If you often feel isolated, do not like leaving the house or even the shortest conversations take too much effort, you may be suffering from a depression relapse. A loss of pleasure in activities likely points towards depression, and if it happens again after your first episode, you must take the symptom seriously.
Changes in the sleep pattern
One of the quickest signs indicating depression relapse is changes in your sleep pattern. A shift in your sleeping habits like insomnia hints towards the condition. The lack of sleep may cause or worsen other symptoms linked to depression, such as fatigue. Don’t hesitate to discuss the condition with your doctor.
Extreme irritability
If you often fuss or get upset about little things, you may be suffering from a depression relapse. Depression is often characterized by irritability and anger. If the feelings continue after your treatment, visit a therapist and discuss your condition. Irritability often makes it difficult to handle an everyday stressful situation, thus adding more to your fury.
No enjoyment in pleasuresome activities
Whether it is hanging out with your friends or sharing physical intimacy with your partner, nothing gives you fun or pleasure when experiencing a depression relapse. Activities that you used to enjoy may now feel like a burden. If you have been experiencing such feelings for more than two weeks, your depression might be relapsing.
Chronic body pain
In some cases, your body may also give you a clue about experiencing a depression relapse. If you have back pain frequently for two weeks without any reason or if you suffer from chronic headaches and stomach pains, visit your doctor. Other conditions like unexplained chest pain or slight pain in your legs and arms also suggest that you may be going through depression relapse.
What to do?
You cannot turn a blind eye to depression relapse. If you experience any symptoms, it is good to schedule an appointment with your therapist. You may also visit a Spravato Treatment Center to treat your relapse. Esketamine nasal spray, also known as Spravato, is an FDA-approved intranasal spray prescribed by many doctors and therapists to treat depression. This drug is intended primarily for patients with major depression who have not responded well to two antidepressants and have suffered a relapse.
Takeaway
Your mental health is everything, and you must prioritise it. Do not take your mental health lightly. If something takes away your peace of mind, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Robert Haynes did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
