Someone who suffers from depression can have long periods of time such as a year where he doesn't feel any symptoms of the mental health issue. People can get treatment for depression with therapy and medication and never become depressed again. However, others may have times where they relapse back into a state of depression. This can be caused by many factors including stress, issues at home and the loss of a loved one.
Occupational Symptoms
Someone who is beginning to feel symptoms of depression returning might be negatively impacted at work. He might have a hard time concentrating, completing tasks and getting to work on time. His boss may say something to him about his decrease in performance, and he could become at risk for being fired.
Social Symptoms
Negative social effects are common when someone suffers from depression. Symptoms that someone could be developing depression again include canceling lunches and dinners with friends and family, not returning phone calls and isolating herself. Friends and family members might pick up on symptoms that the person displayed when depressed.
Eating and Sleeping Issues
According to HELPGUIDE.org, weight gain or loss and sleep issues are symptoms of depression. Someone who is becoming depressed again may have a hard time falling asleep at night and sleeping through the night, or he might have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning to go to work. He might start eating much more than he used to or not eating enough to be healthy. Someone who's suffered from depression in the past might want to keep track of eating and sleeping habits and consult his therapist if the patterns start to change.
Hopelessness and Suicide
Many people who suffer from depression experience feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. They might not be able to see any positives in their lives. They might not be able to see an end to the depression. When someone starts to become depressed again, the feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness might return. He might say things like, "I'll never be happy," or "I'm stupid. I'll never get a good job."
Also, some people who are depressed have thoughts of suicide. If any thoughts of suicide return, it's a clear indication that the person is suffering from depression again. This should be taken seriously and the person should seek help as soon as possible. She should call 911, go to her local emergency room or call her therapist.
