17 Ways to Avoid Depression Relapse

My friend Tippy posted something I thought was very important, “17 Ways to Avoid Depression Relapse,” from Health.com by Kristin Koch. (By the way, I just found out that November 20 is National Survivors of Suicide Day.)

1. Staying healthy
Recovering from depression is a long and difficult journey.Unfortunately, 50% of people who have one major episode of depression will relapse, and the likelihood goes up if you’ve had more than one episode, says Eve A. Wood, MD, medical director of the Eating Disorder Center of Denver and author of 10 Steps to Take Charge of Your Emotional Life. Your relapse risk can vary, depending on the severity of your symptoms and family history.The good news is that there are some steps that may help you avoid depression relapse.

2. Don’t take on too much
While staying busy isn’t a problem, doing too much, too soon could be.Feeling overwhelmed creates stress, and stress is a risk factor for depression, says Nancy Irwin, PsyD, author of You-Turn: Changing Direction in Midlife. What’s more, stressful experiences can make the symptoms of anxiety and depression additionally severe.“Thwart stress by creating balance and knowing your limits,” Irwin says. “If you are prone to depression, this is your responsibility—just like brushing your teeth or obeying the speed limits.

For the rest please follow the link.
17 Ways to Avoid Depression Relapse

National Survivors of Suicide Day