5 Depression Relapse Triggers to Watch For

Turning relapse into recovery
Here are some other strategies to try if you think that you are experiencing signs of a relapse.

• Talk to your relatives or friends who form your support network and tell them what's going on.
• Let your doctor know and ask for advice and direction, regarding taking medication, going to the hospital, or seeing a therapist/crisis counselor right away.
• Get someone to stay with you until you feel better, especially if you feel suicidal.
• Take some time off from work or your personal obligations so that you can attend to your health.

The worst thing you can do when you are depressed is to isolate yourself, though the temptation will be strong. "You need to stay connected to the world, and self discipline is a good way to achieve this," says Dr. Raskin. He recommends creating any type of routine, no matter how mundane, to keep you from ruminating into a worse psychological state. "The stay-in-the-house-in-your-pajamas syndrome makes things worse, and a routine demonstrates to you and to others that that if you are capable of getting through the day, you are capable of recovery." Gilmartin also urges treating yourself with as much gentleness as you can. "I treat myself like a doctor treats a patient," she says.