Recurrent brief depression – CBT Kenya

Depression is one of the most prevalent mood disorders, in which there is a persistent feeling of hopelessness and a generalized loss of interest in activities, which can lead to various problems. However, recurrent brief-depression lasts for a specified period. This episode of depression primarily affects a specific period or aspect of people’s thinking, behavior, and feelings, which can lead to a variety of solutions.

Whatever be the mode of treatment, one must realize that recurrent depression requires long term treatment and dropping off the treatment schedule mid-way would only do more harm than good. One must never stop the medications of therapies without the permission of the doctor.

Commonly observed symptoms

• Feelings of anxiety: Such anxiety-related symptoms occur along with profound feelings of emptiness and hopelessness for no apparent reason. The feelings of anxiety may also be accompanied by extreme restlessness during the day.
• Lashing out: This behavioral outburst may happen for no apparent reason. Moreover, it could happen because of a single occurrence and can happen by the smallest matters available.
• Diminished interest: The sufferer usually loses interest or experiences a reduced interest in day-to-day activities.
• Affected Cognition: In patients of recurrent brief depression, instances of slow thinking accompanied by the atypical body movements or speaking problems may occur. The patient may also experience a hard time making everyday decisions.
• Low Affect: Feelings of guilt, worthlessness is very common in people suffering from recurrent brief depression. This would include feeling like a failure and instances involving self-blame.
• Suicidal Ideation or Suicidality: The individual suffering from recurrent brief depression may experience frequent and recurrent thoughts of death and/or suicidal ideation.

Managing triggers and coping

Here are some things they may help:

• Positive self-talk. Sometimes, the simple act of telling yourself your feelings are temporary can make a big difference in keeping depressive symptoms at bay. When I feel as if the depression winning, I remind myself what I am feeling will pass and I can’t allow the depressive feelings to take over.
• Nurture your soul. It is important to enough and support your mental health. Listening to my favorite music, taking a warm bath, meditating or going for a walk are all ways I cope when things seem overwhelming.
• Seek out support. You may want to be alone when your emotions start to take over, but isolating yourself will trigger depression symptoms. Let your loved ones know you are struggling or consider joining a support group to help you reach out to other others who understand what it is like living with depression.

Review

Almost everyone who has had at least one episode of depression is susceptible to relapse. Usually traumatic conditions like loss or death of a loved one, chronic disease, failures in personal or professional life, and financial difficulties can trigger a recurrent episode of depression. Several clinical trials also suggest that people may be genetically pre-disposed to recurrent depressive disorder.

Whatever be the cause, it is essential to understand that a person suffering from recurrent depression is not suffering from the condition because “(s)he wants to” or because “(s)he is mentally weak.” Recurrent depression is a mental illness in which, the person suffering has no or little control, so do not shun the person away (that would only worsened the condition) rather give all the support and care that patient deserves and help him/her cope with the disabling condition.

Talk to us

If you think you may be suffering from a depression relapse, reach out to your doctor or therapist. Recurrent depression is common and nothing for you to be ashamed of. Whatever be the mode of treatment, one must realize that recurrent depression requires long term treatment and dropping off the treatment schedule mid-way would only do more harm than good. One must never stop the medications of therapies without the permission of the doctor.