Recurrent depression, a condition characterised by repeated episodes of depressive symptoms, can feel like a never-ending battle. For those living with this condition, the challenge is not overcoming a single episode but finding ways to manage and reduce the frequency and intensity of these episodes over a lifetime.
While this journey can be daunting, there are effective strategies to help build resilience and foster better mental health.
Understanding Recurrent Depression
Depression, sometimes referred to as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is when a person experiences intense and overwhelming feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Around 1 in 6 adults in the UK stated they have experienced moderate to severe depressive symptoms1.
Recurrent depression, however, is when someone has repeated episodes of depression that come and go over time. For those recovering from depression, there is a high chance that they will relapse, slipping back into their depressive state; medics estimate at least half of patients with depression will experience another episode2, making the chances of developing recurrent depression a stark reality.
Each episode can bring a range of symptoms, including persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness. Recognising the chronic nature of this condition is the first step toward effective management.
Building a Support Network
One of the most critical components of managing recurrent depression is having a robust support network. Friends and family can provide essential emotional support, practical help, and a sense of community. Support is crucial in any relationship; the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that almost 87% of adults said they could rely on loved ones if they had a mental health problem, and this greatly boosts a sense of wellbeing3.
Mental health support services can also help support those battling recurrent depression. Regularly attending therapy, for example, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can offer a structured environment to work through depressive episodes and develop coping strategies. One study by the University of Oxford found that, over the course of 46 months, 43% of people living with depression and who had received CBT had improved, reporting at least a 50% reduction in their depressive symptoms4.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Lifestyle changes can significantly impact the course of recurrent depression. Regular physical activity, for example, is known to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Research has found that 70% of those living with clinical depression who engaged in regular activity had significantly lower levels of depression compared to those who did not exercise5.
Exercise increases the production of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that promote a sense of well-being. A balanced diet, rich in nutrients, supports overall brain health and can affect mood regulation.
Sleep hygiene is another critical aspect. Establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a restful sleeping environment, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine and screens before bed can help improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted during depressive episodes. It’s estimated that up to 80% of patients with depression experience periods of insomnia6.
Other lifestyle adjustments such as incorporating mindfulness activities can also be of benefit. This can include things like meditation and yoga and setting oneself realistic and achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed and establishing a sense of progress and control.
Medication Management
For many individuals with recurrent depression, medication can play a vital role in managing symptoms. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can help regulate mood and reduce the likelihood of future episodes.
It’s crucial to work closely with your mental health team or GP to find the right medication and dosage, and to discuss any side effects or concerns that arise. Furthermore, research has shown that up to 50% of people who are living with depression won’t benefit from existing antidepressants7.
Further treatments need to be developed to treat recurrent depression to improve quality of life for people experiencing this debilitating mental health condition. The only way this can be achieved is through clinical trials.
Here at MAC Clinical Research, we want to improve quality of life for those living with depression by finding potential new treatment options through clinical trials.
If you or a loved one is living with depression, you could help researchers investigate potential new treatments. MAC are running clinical trials at their clinics across England and, if eligible, you could receive financial reimbursement. Eligible participants will also receive travel expenses and a full health check-up.
To find out more and register your interest, visit MAC’s current trials page webpage.
1 Office for National Statistics – Cost of living and depression in adults, Great Britain: 29 September to 23 October 2022
2 Clinical Synthesis – Consequences of Recurrence of Major Depressive Disorder: Is Stopping Effective Antidepressant Medications Ever Safe?
3 Office for National Statistics – Findings from the National Well-being Debate
4 Department of Psychiatry – Study finds CBT offers long-term benefits for people with depression
5 The Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry – The Benefits of Exercise for the Clinically Depressed
6 Sleep Foundation – Depression and Sleep
7 British Journal of Psychology Bulletin – Against the stream: Antidepressants are not antidepressants – an alternative approach to drug action and implications for the use of antidepressants
