Relapse And Start Over: When We Fall Back Into Depression

When we fall back into depression, a frustrating and terrifying feeling appears, often weighed down with the weight of guilt. Now, the statistical data tells us that this is something quite common; about 80% of patients who have suffered from a depressive disorder will drift back into this abyss at some point within 10 years.

One of the conditions where this type of reality most affects is in persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia). The symptoms of this disorder generally come and go for years, varying in intensity and lasting at least two months. As we can imagine, the quality of life of those who are subject to this situation is as exhausting as it is complex.

All of this forces us to become aware of something very specific: we still lack tools when it comes to dealing with mood disorders. One of the deficiencies that we most perceive is the social one, which is staged, for example, in the lack of real and concrete information that runs through society in relation to this type of clinical realities.

It is still assumed, for example, that depression is synonymous with weakness and lack of temper. We continue, in a way, to carry the negative stigma around mental disorders. On the other hand, there is another key element that should be taken into account more from medical institutions: prevention of relapses.

When we fall back into depression, what is going wrong?

Depression is a disorder that requires a medium and long-term approach. The fact that we are discharged after a drug treatment or at the end of our therapy sessions does not imply, far from it, that we have put a lock and a bolt on this condition for life. It will continue to knock on our door; Depression does not usually go away without targeted intervention, the person’s will to improve, or the intelligent support of the social environment. In this sense, drugs help but do not cure.

Often, despite clinical improvement, many patients continue to experience what are known as residual symptoms. So what does this kind of camouflaged evidence consist of that could perhaps lead to a remission? In a study carried out by the University of Dublin in 2011 on the prevalence and course of depression, they indicate the following:

• They are in the first place, the residual cognitive symptoms. These are negative thoughts, attitudes and schemes that patients maintain and that make it difficult for the psychological disorder to completely remission. Inattention, difficulty finding words, difficult decision-making, and mental slowing are common.
• On the other hand, there are residual physical symptoms, such as lack of energy and sleep disturbances.

Let’s analyze these aspects in depth.

Our mental approach fuels the risk of relapse

When we fall back into depression we know very well what we have ahead of us: starting certain treatments again, consulting with specialized professionals, etc … However, we must be clear about it, rather than ‘starting over’ it would be more about ‘resuming what we leave pending ‘.

In a study carried out at the University of Toronto by the doctor, it is suggested that relapses are basically due to our style of thinking. If we continue to make use of helplessness, critical self-talk and negativity, the risk of leading to a new depression is high.

It is significant to remember that this type of mental focus is almost like going out to sea on a leaky raft. Negative and debilitating thinking sinks us, leaves us fatigued, overwhelmed, and unable to apply original, useful, and valuable ideas to navigate through life. That kind of internal dialogue can even convince us that we don’t know how to swim.

Likewise, it is common for these cognitive symptoms to end up having replications at the somatic level : we feel without energy, exhausted, with muscle aches, with sleep problems …

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy

When we fall back into depression it is necessary to seek expert help. It is not worth pretending that nothing is happening, that despite being broken and out of tune inside, it is possible for us to continue with work, smile when everyone smiles and go to bed wishing we felt better the next day. This can help, but it is not enough.

There are many people who live this reality in their own skin without deciding to seek help. Others, despite starting psychological therapy, end up abandoning it between the first and the sixth month. It is not the right thing to do. If we want to cope with this disorder and, more importantly, avoid relapses, cognitive therapy for depression based on mindfulness is one of the most effective.

Studies, such as the one carried out by Dr. John D. Teasdale, a leading researcher at the University of Oxford and later at the Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit at Cambridge, point out the benefits of this therapeutic approach.

Patients who have relapsed -at least three times- show not only an improvement, but also acquire valuable strategies to reduce negative internal dialogue, control thoughts and maintain positive lifestyle habits with which to prevent a new relapse. Facing these mental and emotional challenges is in our power if we make the decision to improve with responsibility and determination; It’s worth a try.