What are the early signs of a depression relapse?

After having depression once, it is understandable to worry when symptoms start appearing again. But spotting the red flags early may help prevent a more severe episode from developing.

What is a depression relapse?

A depression relapse can occur days, months, or years after recovering from an earlier bout of depression.

Many people experience sadness or a loss of interest in everyday activities as a normal part of life. These feelings can stem from a variety of factors, such as the loss of a loved one or overwork.

However, if a person has these feelings almost daily for more than 2 weeks, and if they begin to affect work or social life, then they may be experiencing depression.

After the first episode of depression, depression can return in two ways.

A depression relapse happens when symptoms start to reappear or worsen again during recovery from an earlier episode. Relapse is most likely to occur within 2 months of stopping treatment for a previous episode.

A depression recurrence happens when symptoms return months or years after a person has recovered from the last episode. This is most common within the first 6 months. Around 20% of people will experience a recurrence, but this can rise when depression is severe.

Common triggers for depression relapse or recurrence include:

• Stressful life events that happen during or after recovery: These can include family conflict, relationship changes, and grief.
• Incomplete recovery from the last episode of depression: If the person does not receive full treatment for the main symptoms, depression is more likely to return.
• Stopping treatment early: Depression is not always a quick fix — sticking with treatment for 6 or more months after feeling better can reduce the risk of future depression.
• Medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, can increase the risk of future depression.

12 early signs of a depression relapse

A person can often recognize the same core warning signs of depression they experienced during previous episodes, but sometimes, symptoms can be different.

Key warning of depression include:

• Depressed mood: Feeling sad or anxious.
• Loss of interest in activities: Taking less pleasure in hobbies, sex, and other interests that the individual usually enjoys.
• Social withdrawal: Avoiding social situations and losing touch with friends.
• Fatigue: Daily tasks, such as washing up and getting dressed, may feel more difficult and take longer.
• Feeling agitated: Agitation, including restlessness and pacing.
• Changes in sleep patterns: Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
• Changes in appetite: This can lead to weight gain or loss.
• Increased irritability: Getting annoyed more easily than usual.
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt: Thinking over past events.
• Concentration and memory problems: Thoughts and speech may feel slower.
• Physical aches and pains: Unexplained headaches, stomach aches, or muscle pain.
• Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts: This may signal a severe depressive episode.

4 tips for preventing a relapse

These prevention strategies can help to stop depression from returning:

• Keeping up with treatment: Finishing the full course of a prescribed medication can significantly reduce the risk of relapse, especially during the critical 6 months after treatment begins.
• Mindfulness based therapies: Mindfulness can help a person understand any negative thought patterns and find ways of dealing with them. 
• Educating friends and family: Telling friends and family what warning signs to look out for might help catch an episode early.