Planning
for the Return of Depression II
As we’ve
discussed, if you’ve been depressed once, you’re at increased risk for having
another episode of depression. This is probably because stress and depression
affect the brain and change how the brain responds to stress. First episodes of
depression often follow a very stressful life event while later episodes seem
to be triggered by more minor life events. Even if you’re feeling a lot better
right now, you may be more vulnerable to stress than you were before you got
depressed. The solution is to use CBT techniques to help you manage the stress
in your life, even when you’re not depressed!
If you find
it helpful, you can use this program for as long as you want, and you can
always refer to your Session Diary. We’ll save your Session Diary so you can
come back to re-read the information and your session results. You can always
come back for more information or more practice.
You don’t
notice the early warning signs of depression soon enough
It’s
important for you to recognize the early warning signs of depression and to
start using the CBT techniques that worked for you in the past sooner, rather
than later. If you wait too long, or wait until your depression gets worse,
it’ll be harder for you to dig yourself out.
Recognize
your early warning signs of depression and have a plan for what you’re going to
do if you think that you’re starting to get depressed. Common early warning
signs include changes in sleeping and eating, social withdrawal, anger and
irritability. What are you going to do if you notice the early warning signs of
depression?
You
experience a major stressful life event that sets you back
If you
experience a major setback such as the loss of a loved one, or your job, or if
a relationship ends badly, you may experience a temporary return of depression
and a worsening of your symptoms.
