If you've received treatment for depression, have recovered and feel like yourself again, your battle with depression might not be over. Some people find themselves struggling with depression on and off for years or throughout their lifetime. It's important that you take steps to prevent a relapse in your symptoms of depression.
Therapy and Medication
When you've recovered from depression, you usually stop attending therapy sessions; however, many therapists allow their clients to come back for a couple sessions at a time once or twice a year as booster sessions. During these sessions, you would discuss how you're coping with daily stressors, check-in regarding current life events and get advice on preventing depression. At that time, the therapist may suggest that you attend more sessions if she sees that your symptoms are returning.
Some people who suffer from depression need medication long-term. You might feel as if you're all better and no longer need medication, but the medication may be one of the main reasons that you feel as good as you do. Don't stop taking your antidepressants without discussing it with your doctor or psychiatrist.
Coping with Stress
Many people who suffer from depression have a hard time managing their stress and easily become overwhelmed. To prevent a recurrence of depression, you should make it a top priority to prevent and deal with stress, according to the Mayo Clinic. In order to prevent stress, you should do something you enjoy each day. For example, you could spend 30 minutes immersing yourself in a good book, take a short walk with your spouse after dinner or spend 15 minutes in the morning working on a crossword puzzle and enjoying a cup of coffee. When you know that you're going to be faced with stress, you should take measures to cope with it. For instance, if you know that you have back to back meetings during your work day, you could take a long lunch break to unwind or take a bubble bath and meditate when you get home. Learn and practice relaxation techniques.
Maintain Healthy Relationships
Helpguide.org reports that meaningful, healthy relationships help in fighting depression and keeping it away. If you're going through a tough time or feel sad, reach out to a friend or family member. Don't isolate yourself and expect your problems to get better. Each day you should make an effort to cultivate your relationships. For instance, you could go golfing with your best friend on Sundays, eat dinner with your wife and kids most nights during the week and meet your brother for a cup of coffee once a week.
