Relapses

[Alex]

Do you feel that your depression can end rather than be cured? I've been off medication for over 3 years now, and I am still aware of triggers and the possibility of a relapse ( I had two before) and I know that is one of the worst things when you think you have conquered it only to fall back.


One thing I have learned is that you must be selfish at times to protect yourself, and to figure out those triggers whether it's people or place, or if people talk about certain things. I walk away to protect myself, and had a couple of close misses. Somehow I managed to cope with them, but it was hard fighting a relapse. Any other tips to prevent a relapse?

 

[Corzhens]

It is not me but a popular young actor here named Jiro. From what I know, he is an orphan but got a good role in the movies which made him popular. But he couldn't live with his waning popularity that he turned to illegal drugs. When he was sent to a rehabilitation center, his depression got worse that the rehab officer said that Jiro was suffering from a grave depression that he needs further help from a psychiatrist. The latest news about Jiro is that he was out of the rehab center and sent to an institution. Making matters worse, his sponsor, another actress named Ai-Ai said the other day that Jiro is a hopeless case... of manic depression.

 

[fuzyon]

I don't think depression ever leaves our body and mind, whether we like to think that we're cured or not. In hindsight, depression is a way of thinking about all the possible outcomes and only focusing on the worst ones, seeing the world as a darker place than it actually is. You may think that you got cured and see things differently, but that way of thinking will always be in the back of your mind. I'm still a long way from recovering but I'm sure relapses are possible and common.

 

[MellowCat]

I understand. I have been off my antidepressants for a year now. I just realized that, so thank you for reminding me of this milestone!


There have been times when I have been overly emotional, worried, or anxious and have been afraid that I will relapse to my worst state. However, most of the time I am able to remind myself that the things that caused my depression to get so bad have now been removed from my life. Still, there is always the possibility of relapsing because I do have clinical depression and I know it will always be a thing I battle on some level or another, even if it is only mild most of the time.


Some of the things that help me to not fall backwards:


1. Telling someone how I feel.


Usually this is a very close friend who will let me say anything and not judge me.


2. Doing something fun, just for me.


This especially helps me when I'm very stressed or overwhelmed about something and I need me time. We can talk ourselves into not having the time to be selfish in this way, but it is ok and needed for good mental health. Drop your work for a half a day and go do something fun.


3. Write down your feelings.


I regularly write in a journal or blog, or come on a forum like this one, so I can write about how I am feeling. It helps just to put it down.

 

[Alex]

MellowCat you are doing well, and it is a big thing to be off your medication. Relapses can happen, but they can be averted if you spot the signs, avoid the triggers and basically learn to take of yourself before it gets worse. It does mean you may have to be a bit selfish and anti-social, but in the long run it's worth it.


When I had to go back back on medication once I was disappointed in myself, and told myself if that happened again, I just had to shut everyone out and I did.

 

[rz3300]

Well I am having a little bit of a hard time picturing what a full relapse would look like or what it would feel like, because I think that I am used to having little mini relapses over and over again. I mean that I agree with fuzyon in that it never leaves us, we just go through ups and downs, so when we hit those downs again I would call that a relapse. I cannot image going for an extended period of time - even like a week - without any signs of depression, and so I cannot really imagine what hitting a big low after that would feel like either.

 

[MellowCat]

Alex Thank you for the tips. I agree, sometimes you do have to be selfish and only take care of you. in the long run, it is better for everyone around you if you're taking care of yourself first anyway. I hope I never have to go back on medication, but you never know. Mental illnesses often have seasons, and the condition of your mind/emotions can fluctuate regularly.


rz3300 I think that I probably do what you do hand have mini relapses. They occur for me maybe once or twice a month. they are not severe, especially if I recognize the signs, as Alex pointed out, so that I can try to curb them before they get worse.

 

[Alex]

I would say a mini relapse is when you can feel things getting worse, or if you have reduced your dose or come off your medication. I feel trying to stay stable is a better idea and then start taking baby steps again. For me the worse thing was pushing and trying too hard to get better faster, and it ended up pushing me back.


I'm not naturally a selfish person, so it was hard for me to put myself first but if I didn't then no one else could help me.