A depression relapse occurs when a person’s depression gets worse after an initial period of improvement. It happens before a person’s symptoms have gone away entirely.
The majority of people with depression experience relapses. Having one doesn’t mean that your progress is lost or that things can’t improve.
Caring for your mind and body and getting mental health support can help you navigate a depression relapse.
Depression is often a lifelong condition. However, it can be managed with therapy, medication, and other support. Throughout your journey, you’ll probably experience some ups and downs.
Depression symptoms often vary in severity and may ebb and flow throughout life. Sometimes, your symptoms might be barely noticeable or go away completely. But they can also return in full force, even if you’re getting treatment.
A depressive relapse happens when a person’s symptoms resume after a period of getting better but not going away entirely. Research shows this is very common. About 85% of people with depression [1] will experience a relapse at some point.
If you experience a depression relapse, it doesn’t mean that treatment wasn’t successful or that your symptoms won’t improve. Learning more about depression relapses can help you care for yourself and maintain your mental health.
What’s a depression relapse?
A depression relapse doesn't erase the progress you’ve made in treatment or mean that your depression won’t ever get better. But it can be a significant, and often frustrating, setback.
Researchers describe the experience as “the re-emergence of depressive symptoms following some level of remission but preceding full recovery.” It’s different from a depressive episode or recurrence, which mean:
Recurrence: A recurrence [2] of depression happens when a person’s symptoms come back after they’ve experienced full relief. Depression is recurring for most people.
Episode: A depressive episode is a period of time during which a person meets the criteria for depression as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [3] (DSM).
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Signs and symptoms of a depression relapse
You may be experiencing a depression relapse if you experience an uptick in depression symptoms after a period of relief.
These symptoms might include:
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Appetite changes
Irritability
Hopelessness
Sadness or tearfulness
Loss of interest in formerly enjoyed activities
Social withdrawal
Fatigue
Physical aches and pains
Digestive problems
Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide*
*A note on safety: If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 from any phone. Their counselors will provide confidential support and resources to help keep you safe.
Possible triggers of a depression relapse
There’s no way to predict what will trigger a depression relapse.
But research shows [2] that you might be more likely to experience one if you:
Have had multiple severe depressive episodes in the past
Experienced your first depressive episode when you were young
Have other co-occurring mental health concerns
Have a family history of depression
Experience an increase in stress without adequate social support
How to prevent a depression relapse
There’s no cure for depression. At times, symptoms will be worse. Other times they might improve. If you have depression, you’ll likely experience a depression relapse at some point.
That said, you can build mental resiliency by:
Taking good care of your physical health by eating nourishing food, exercising, and getting enough sleep
Including stress-management activities in your everyday routine, like journaling, meditation, or breath work
Spending time with friends and family to prevent isolation
Following your provider’s treatment recommendations and staying engaged with care
What you can do during a relapse
If a relapse happens, know that you’re not alone and help is available.
This doesn’t mean that you’ll always feel this way or that your symptoms won’t improve. When you’re in the midst of a relapse, you can explore these ways to support your mental health:
Practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself as you would a friend in a similar situation. This might mean taking things slow, getting some extra rest, or calling or texting a loved one.
Remind yourself that it won’t last forever. You’ve navigated depression symptoms before, and you can do it again. You might remind yourself of your strength with affirmations like, “I can get through challenging times.”
Connect with your provider(s). If you’re feeling depressed, make an appointment with a therapist or psychiatrist. You can let them know that your symptoms are increasing. That way, they can adjust your care plan accordingly.
When symptoms return, a helpful shift is seeing them as information rather than failure. They are a signal your body is needing something — perhaps sleep, support, or stress relief. It doesn’t mean your progress is lost.
Ashley Ayala, LMFT
Clinical reviewer
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When a person’s depression increases again after starting to get better, it’s called a depression relapse. Most people with depression will have this experience. It doesn’t mean that treatment isn’t working or that things won’t get better.
While you may not be able to prevent a relapse entirely, practicing self-care and working with a therapist can help you get back on track.
At Rula, we’re here to help you feel better. Rula makes it easy to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who takes your insurance. That way, you don’t have to choose between great care and a price you can afford.
Rula patients pay about $15 per session with insurance, and 93% say they feel better after getting care through Rula. We have 21,000+ providers, and appointments are available as soon as tomorrow. We’re here to help you take the next step — wherever you are in your mental health journey.
References
- Psychological interventions for the prevention of depression relapse: systematic review and network meta-analysis https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-023-02604-1
- Risk for Recurrence in Depression https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2169519/
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) https://psychiatryonline.org/dsm
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Ashley Ayala, LMFT
Ashley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in generational healing and family dynamics. Ashley has worked in schools, clinics, and in private practice. She believes that people’s relationships, including our relationship with ourselves, greatly shape our experiences in life.
Ashley is committed to empowering others to show up authentically and deepen their self understanding. This passion stems from taking a critical lens on her own life story and doing inner healing. One of her favorite quotes is “Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.”
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Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
