How to Prevent a Relapse of Depression

Video Transcript

"Hi, I'm Dr.Laura Grashow, a licensed psychologist with DrGrashow.com. O.k., so let's talk a little bit now about how to prevent a relapse of depression. For people who are struggling and suffering with an episode of depression, the feelings can be crushing and intense and overwhelming. For purposes of this discussion, I want to emphasis three things. The first is, having healthy supportive relationships. The second has to do with, what we call negativistic or depressive thinking style or patterns. And the third has to do with medication. So first let me start with relationships. Isolation or destructive patterns in relationships can really contribute to a relapse in depression. It's very important that you surround yourself with people who are understanding, kind, patient and most of all supportive to you. The second thing that I want to emphasize is, that there is a modality of therapy known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which can actually help people change their thinking style. Often times with people who are suffering with depression, they have what we call depressive or negativistic thinking patterns. And these thinking patterns can actually be changed and this is a skill that you can take with you for a lifetime. Finally, I want to say with respect to medication, of course, it's really important that you follow whatever medication regimen is set out by your psychiatrist. Work together with your psychiatrist as a partner of course, but do take the medication as prescribed."