How to Prevent Depression Relapse

Amy Taylor October 11, 2016

Recovering from depression can be a long, difficult ride. In fact, 50 per cent of people who recovered from depression will relapse. Worse, the chances go up if you have gone through more than one episode.

If you or someone you know has gone through depression, here are some things you can do to prevent a relapse:

Slow down a little more.

Self-care is at the core of successful recovery from any mental health disorder. You might feel so much better now that you have gone through therapy and treatments. But it doesn’t mean you can start abusing your body again by taking lots of responsibilities, working overtime, and doing so many things all at once. It is important to take things slow. Prioritise time for relaxation and leisure. Being overwhelmed by so many tasks can cause your stress levels to spike, which in turn can greatly affect your emotional health.

Exercise regularly.

Working out is one of the best health habits you can develop to fully recover from depression. Many studies have linked physical activity with low levels of depression. Research has shown that exercise lowers our stress levels and boosts the amount of serotonin in our brain - the ‘feel good’ hormones that are responsible for positive mood. Exercise also reduces the immune system chemicals that worsen depression. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that the people who exercised regularly after completing the study, regardless of which treatment they were on originally, were less likely to relapse into depression.

Set aside big decisions.

Making decisions, especially major ones, can be overwhelming. Until you have fully recovered from depression, you may want to put off big decisions first. If it isn’t possible, don’t hesitate to seek other people’s help. Talk to people you trust the most. Seek help from a professional counsellor. This way, you don’t overwhelm yourself.

Manage stress.

Stress is one of the major allies of depression. The more stressed you are, the more likely you get a relapse. So make sure your stress don’t go overboard. It is true that we can’t completely avoid stress. But the good news is that we can do something to manage it. Practising self-care, exercising regularly, eating right, spending time with positive people, and getting enough rest are some of the best things you can to control stress.

Join a support group.

This strategy has been proven effective by scientific research. Even if your therapy is over, it doesn’t mean that help is no longer necessary. Having a strong support system can keep you stay on track. By joining a support group, you can learn practical self-help tips from people who have gone through the same experience that you had.

Reconnect with others.

When you’re having depression, it’s likely that you’ve lost contact with your friends and some of your family members. People with this mental disorder tend to isolate themselves with other people, thinking that no one cares about them. But as you recover, you realise their importance and you appreciate them more. So take time to reconnect with the people you love. Reconnect. Spend time with them. These people can bring back the happiness and colour in your life.

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