Understanding Relapses #Mental Health Study Series (5)
Let's understand what is relapses. People with serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia, eating disorders, especially MDD, the symptoms which can be managed, changed drastically. This can be overwhelming and this setbacks are called relapses which can often lead to hospitalization. One of the most common causes of relapse is stopping medication (on free will) but relapses can happen even if a person is taking their prescribed medication. Developing skills and coping mechanisms can help you deal with the everyday challenges of living with a serious mental health condition.
What are the triggers? Some situations or behaviors which called triggers, can lead to a relapse. Stopping medication or not taking medication as prescribed, using drugs or alcohol or both, being under stress or overwhelmed, conflict in relationships, illness or death of a loved one or any other major life changes ; this is the possible triggers. The sign of relapses includes the change of sleeping pattern, stopping medication by itself ; at it's own will (with no approval from the doctor) or not taking regularly, feeling tense, nervous or hostile, social withdrawal or isolation (for example, not going to work or school), decline in personal hygiene (for example, not taking care of yourself), increase in paranoia, hallucinations or hearing voices, confusing or nonsensical speech, false beliefs or delusions (for example, thinking that everyone is against you, being overconfident in your abilities and lastly, -increase in risk-taking behaviors ; such as spending money over the budget, using alcohol or drugs.
There's possibility to get help when relapses happen. All you need is family/closed ones support, therapy, counselling and lastly, to learn how to manage your stresses.