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.
