Depression relapse is triggered by a mix of stressful life events (job loss, grief, conflict), internal factors (residual symptoms, rumination, neuroticism), behavioral changes (poor sleep, diet, substance use), stopping treatment (medication/therapy), and physical health issues, with history of previous episodes increasing future risk. Recognizing personal warning signs and triggers is key to relapse prevention.
It's thought that your chance of getting severe depression may be partly affected by the genes you inherit from your parents.
Causes of relapse
Circumstances that act as a trigger for substance use as a coping strategy – for example, insecure housing, professional or personal setbacks, social pressures or social stigma. Pre-existing mental health or emotional issues. Pre-existing physical health issues.
The duration of depression can vary greatly depending on several factors. Typically, an untreated depressive episode can last about 6 months or longer. However, with effective treatment, the duration can be significantly reduced.
Although depression may occur only once during your life, people typically have multiple episodes. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and may include: Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness. Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters.
Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a role in making brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins and folate may be linked to depression.
There's no single "hardest" mental illness, but Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Schizophrenia, and severe/treatment-resistant conditions like depression or bipolar disorder are frequently cited due to extreme emotional volatility, distorted reality, profound functional impairment, and significant impact on relationships and daily life, making them incredibly challenging to live with and manage. The difficulty often stems from intense internal pain, difficulty regulating emotions, social isolation, and the pervasive nature of symptoms.
An acute change in mood that persists for weeks or is associated with thoughts of self-harm should not be ignored. In some cases, it may constitute an emergency. Depressed mood, whether from a major depressive episode, or in the context of another problem, can become an emergency when there are thoughts of suicide.
A major depressive episode (MDE) is a period characterized by symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD). Those affected primarily exhibit a depressed mood for at least two weeks or more, and a loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities.
Clinical depression (major depressive disorder) can greatly interfere with your daily functioning and quality of life if it's not treated. People with clinical depression are at a high risk of developing anxiety disorders and substance use disorders, which further increase their risk of suicide.
Addiction Relapse Vulnerability
For 1-year outcomes across alcohol, nicotine, weight, and illicit drug abuse, studies show that more than 85% of individuals relapse and return to drug use within 1 year of treatment [2].
Studies have shown that people with low self-efficacy in their abilities to stay sober have a higher risk of relapsing, while those with a sense of mastery over their sobriety are more likely to cope effectively.
Research shows that alcohol and opioids have the highest rates of relapse, with some studies indicating a relapse rate for alcohol as high as 80 percent during the first year after treatment. Similarly, some studies suggest a relapse rate for opioids as high as 80 to 95 percent during the first year after treatment.
Sometimes there's a trigger for depression. Life-changing events, such as bereavement, losing your job or giving birth, can bring it on. People with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it themselves.
Considerable evidence links the “Big Five” personality traits (neuroticism, extroversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness) with depression.
The predisposing, precipitating, perpetuating, and protective factors framework, referred to as the “4Ps,” is used in medicine for organizing contributing factors in a clinical case and to communicate illness and risks with patients (22) (see Table 1).
Severe depression is often characterized by symptoms of hopelessness, increased irritability, loss of pleasure, trouble concentrating or sleeping, or thoughts of death or suicide. 1 Technically, severe depression isn't a formal mental health diagnosis. Instead, it refers to more debilitating depression.
The major activating input comes from the amygdala, a part of the brain important for the processing of emotions, particularly negative emotions. Thus when someone experiences negative emotions, the amygdala becomes more active, which can trigger the stress response in the HPA axis.
Ongoing feelings of worthlessness or feelings of undue guilt. Trouble concentrating or making decisions. Not eating or overeating. Repeating thoughts of death or suicide, wishing to die, or attempting suicide ( Note: This needs emergency treatment, please see below.)
If you're having a mental health emergency, it's important to get help right away. Though the thought of going to the emergency room (ER) might be daunting, it's often the best way to keep you safe during the crisis. Visiting the ER can connect you with resources that will help you manage and overcome these issues.
You can only be given medication after an initial 3-month period in either of the following situations: You consent to taking the medication. A SOAD confirms that you lack capacity. You haven't given consent, but a SOAD confirms that this treatment is appropriate to be given.
The psychological symptoms of depression include: continuous low mood or sadness. feeling hopeless and helpless. having low self-esteem.
These severe and persistent mental illnesses include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, other severe forms of depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
According to psychology, there are specific personality types that are notoriously difficult to live with. These can include the passive-aggressive communicator, the relentless critic, or the energy-draining pessimist. However, recognizing these traits is the first step toward managing the stress they cause.
Common signs and symptoms include:
Problems in concentration, logical thought and speech. Loss of desire to participate. Increased sensitivities. Decline in Personal Care.