Depression Symptoms Can Return

When you are feeling depressed, nothing may seem more important than feeling like yourself again — for you and the people who care about you. There are also serious medical reasons to treat your depression to remission (relief from symptoms).

Current research suggests that depression is a recurrent disease, meaning it may not be limited to one episode but rather may return. For example, an estimated 60% of people who have one episode of depression will experience another. With each episode, the risk of recurrence increases, from 60% after one episode to 70% after two episodes, to about 90% after three.

Unresolved Symptoms Are a Risk Factor

Research also shows that when symptoms continue, recurrent episodes can be longer and more severe, with less time between episodes. This is why it is important to relieve your depression symptoms and keep them from coming back.

One of the greatest risk factors for the recurrence of depression is if your symptoms remain — or return. This means that you can't settle for just feeling better. You need to be mindful of how your treatment is progressing — and if you are experiencing full relief from symptoms. Your health, now and in the future, may depend on full and continued remission.

• The Recurrent Nature of Depression
• Phases of Depression Treatment
• Depression Symptoms?
• Antidepressants and Other Treatments
• 10 Tips to Support Treatment