The Best Ways to Stop Depression from Recurring

As many as 3 million Australians currently suffer with depression, and the figures are steadily growing. Depression is so common that it is estimated one in six women, and one in eight men, will suffer from depression in their lifetime. One of the most difficult aspects of depression is that it can continue to occur throughout the sufferer’s life, and can be almost impossible to keep at bay without effective strategies. However, despite the statistics; there are things that you can do to stop depression from recurring. Here, we take a look at some of the best ways to keep your depression in check and under control.

1. Know your signs

Knowing what triggers your depression, and how it looks when it’s happening, can be key to keeping it under control. Many people who suffer from depression have trouble recognising when they are experiencing a depressive cycle and can therefore have difficulty in managing their depression effectively. Once depression creeps in – even after a long period without experiencing it – it can be hard to detect, and means that many sufferers do not know when to seek help. Knowing what symptoms you tend to experience when depressed can be very helpful in addressing your depression before it becomes overwhelming. Symptoms might include:

• Lack of energy, and sleeping more than normal
• Lack of appetite
• Lack of interest in activities that would normally be enjoyed
• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling ‘sad’, ‘low’ or ‘numb’ for no apparent reason
• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Suicidal thoughts or ideation

While depression can be caused by a number of triggers (common triggers include relationship breakdowns or family issues, the loss of a job, or a sudden change in circumstances), it is important to understand that it may also recur for no obvious reason. This is why it is so important to understand your symptoms, and realise that your symptoms may be different to those listed above. It can also be helpful for people around you, such as friends and family, to understand the signs of depression, as they may be able to bring it to your attention before even you realise that it is occurring.

2. Keep in touch with your therapist

It makes sense to stop seeing your counsellor once you’ve addressed your depression and you are feeling better. However, as depression can be subtle, and recur gradually, you may begin to experience a recurrence in your depression without even realising it. Just as important as recognising your symptoms is keeping in touch with your counsellor and regularly addressing any concerns you might have or when life challenges arise.

A qualified psychologist is well-trained and experienced in detecting and treating depression, and understands how it can affect you, without you even realising it. Maintaining regular visits with your psychologist, even if less regular than when you are actively experiencing depression or depressive symptoms, allows you to keep your depression in check and can stop depression from recurring. Furthermore, many sufferers find speaking to their counsellor or psychologist much more comfortable than discussing it with family and friends. If you’re concerned that you might be experiencing symptoms of depression, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your therapist as soon as possible, and let them help you to develop a plan of action for managing your depression on an ongoing basis.

3. Practice at-home techniques from your therapist

Experiencing depression does not mean that you are destined to be ‘unhappy’ for the rest of your life. It does, however, mean that you’ll need to take measures to in order to stop depression from recurring, and manage it effectively. Your therapist will help you to develop the skills and teach you a number of strategies to help manage your depression on a day-to-day basis, so that you can live a happy and healthy life.

At Integrated Health Specialists, we have a specific program to treat depression, which includes many strategies to prevent depression from recurring, and can help you to manage your symptoms from home. The techniques you’ll learn in the depression program will help you not only to recognise your symptoms, but to tackle them each time they arise. Learning to manage your depression is extremely effective and empowering, and can help you to feel in control of your emotional state, and to improve your overall quality of life.

If you are suffering from depression, or have suffered from depression before, now is a great time to get in touch with us, and develop a lifelong plan for managing your depression. Don’t let depression control your life!  Get in touch today.