- What genetic factors are relevant to developing depression?
- What can we do to prevent depression?
- How can I tell if I have depression or am I just sad?
- What is acute depression?
- What to do when we feel apathetic?
- Can recurrent major depression be cured?
- Are antidepressants for life?
- How can teachers help students with depression?
- How do you cope with all the responsibilities and tasks of daily life when you have depression?
- When we're not feeling well and don't want to do anything, what can we do to avoid feeling bad?
- What are the signs of a relapse in depression?
- What can we do to prevent a relapse?
- What strategies are recommended for managing high levels of stress and anxiety?
- How to manage a relapse in depression?
- And in case of a relapse into depression, how should the immediate environment act?
- What is the relationship between relapse and suicidal ideation?
- What kind of therapies work? Does writing down your feelings or participating in activities like laughter therapy help?
What are the signs of a relapse in depression?
The signs of a depressive relapse are varied, numerous, and can manifest in many different ways. In general, the typical aspects of this disorder are:
- Deflated mood (deep sadness)
- Loss of interest in normal daily activities (apathy).
- Difficulties in cognitive functions: for example, lack of attention and memory.
- Rumination (rehashing the same thought), that is, the tendency to continually think about one's own symptoms, one's own condition, and negative thoughts about one's own future.
- Reduction of daily activities.
- Loss of pleasure from doing anything (anhedonia).
- Feeling of chronic fatigue.
- Reduction of social contacts.
- Sleep-wake rhythm disturbances, increase or decrease in nighttime sleep.
- Changes in eating habits (with increased or decreased appetite).
- Decreased sexual desire and other problems related to the sexual sphere.
- It can also manifest itself at a somatic level: chronic fatigue, generalized pain, gastrointestinal problems.
The progressive and constant reduction in daily activities leads to both perceived ("I am no longer able to do my things") and actual incapacity. Other typical behavioral aspects of relapse may include neglect of personal hygiene and physical appearance.
In some cases of very deep depression, a general slowing of the person's motor skills (psychomotor slowing) can be observed.
I recognize it when apathy, chronic fatigue, insomnia, moodiness, and constantly dwelling on the same thoughts begin to appear. These are signs that you're about to relapse, if you haven't already. If we detect these signs, we should consult our specialist for treatment.