Living with depression can come with many ups and downs. With the help of treatments like talk therapy, you may feel like you have made significant progress. The right kind of care can be great for managing depression symptoms. When you are working to address your depression, it is important to understand that progress is not always linear. Some people experience a new wave of symptoms after weeks or months of relief. While this is sometimes referred to as a depression “relapse,” the more accurate term is recurrence. Knowing when a recurrence might be on the horizon can be a great skill to have. Depression is a highly variable condition. This means the factors that contribute to a recurrence can differ from person to person. However, the signs or symptoms tend to be similar for most people. Understanding the warning signs of a depression recurrence can help you manage your condition and stay on the path to lasting improvement.
Common depression recurrence signs
- Persistent low mood — Have you been feeling down lately? Your mood could be a sign of depression recurrence. While occasional feelings of sadness are common, persistent unhappiness might indicate something more. Recording your daily moods and emotions in a notebook or app can be a good way to take a closer look. If feelings of sadness or hopelessness are persisting for days to weeks, you may be experiencing a depression recurrence. Depression can also make these feelings harder to shake. Things that would normally give you a boost of happiness might be less effective. If you are experiencing negative mood changes, it is important to let your treatment providers know. This can enable them to make treatment adjustments as necessary.
- Feeling unmotivated — Losing interest in your regular activities can signal a depression recurrence. You might find it difficult to engage with your work and hobbies. Social interactions may also become more challenging. For people with depression, these activities can seem to lose their meaning. Feeling unmotivated is an especially challenging symptom because it can make receiving treatment more difficult. People who are experiencing a loss of interest and motivation may be less likely to adhere to their care routine. If you are experiencing these feelings, it is important to continue engaging with your depression treatments.
- Appetite changes — A depression recurrence may be accompanied by weight and appetite changes. Many people with depression find it more difficult to maintain a steady eating schedule. You might feel constantly hungry or lose your appetite completely. This can lead to rapidly fluctuating body weight. Major changes in your weight and appetite are not always related to depression, but they can be one indicator. If you are experiencing these changes in addition to other depression symptoms, they are more likely to be a sign of a mental health condition.
- Social withdrawal — Avoiding social interactions is a common sign of depression. As your condition improves, you may find it easier to connect with your friends and family. Withdrawing from these people can signal a return of your symptoms. You may isolate yourself and feel detached from your support network. When this happens, it is important to remember you are not alone. Treatment is available. If traditional treatments have been ineffective so far, there is still hope. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an innovative solution rising in popularity. In addition to other conditions, TMS can be highly effective in addressing treatment-resistant depression. If you are feeling isolated as a result of your returning symptoms, it is important to continue seeking care. Methods like TMS can be a great way for you to make real, lasting progress.
- Suicidality — Suicidality is a key warning sign. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation, seeking help immediately is essential. These thoughts can be one of the most concerning signs of a depression recurrence. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 to receive immediate support.
Active Path Mental Health can help address your depression recurrence
Worried about your depression symptoms coming back? Active Path Mental Health can help. Our team specializes in treating cases of depression where other methods have not worked. Each patient can receive care tailored to their needs and mental health goals. Nearly 80% of our patients show a major reduction in symptoms with TMS therapy. Depression recurrence can be distressing, but you can manage your symptoms with the right support. Recognizing the signs early and seeking professional treatment can have a major impact on your success.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
