What are the early signs of a depression relapse?

After having depression once, it is understandable to worry when symptoms start appearing again. But spotting the red flags early may help prevent a more severe episode from developing.
Many people who have depression may experience a relapse or recurrence. According to one review, it usually happens within 5 years, but it can occur weeks, months, or even many years after the first episode.

About half of the people who experience an episode of depression for the first time will remain well. For the other half, depression can return one or more times throughout their lives.

For those people who do experience repeat episodes of depression, the warning signs may be different each time.

Doctors and researchers do not know why some people experience a relapse, but others do not.

This article looks at the signs that depression is returning, its possible triggers, and ways to prevent, treat, and cope with this condition.
What is a depression relapse?

Many people experience sadness or a loss of interest in everyday activities as a normal part of life.
These feelings can stem from a variety of factors, such as the loss of a loved one or overwork.
However, if a person has these feelings almost daily for more than 2 weeks, and if they begin to affect work or social life, then they may be experiencing depression.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), depression may affect around 7% of adults in the United States every year.
After the first episode of depression, the American Psychiatric Association say that depression can return in two ways.

A depression relapse happens when symptoms start to reappear or worsen again during recovery from an earlier episode. Relapse is most likely to occur within 2 months of stopping treatment for a previous episode.
A depression recurrence happens when symptoms return months or years after a person has recovered from the last episode. This is most common within the first 6 months. Around 20% of people will experience a recurrence, but this can rise when depression is severe.

After the first episode of depression has ended, the APA estimate that 50–85% of people will have at least one more episode of depression in their lifetimes. After two or three earlier episodes, the chances of depression returning are much higher.

Some depression-like disorders return frequently.
What is a relapse?
12 early signs
Triggers
4 prevention tips
Treating and managing a relapse