When you’re working on your mental health, progress doesn’t usually move in a straight line. There may be ups and downs, and that’s OK. One part of this journey that many people experience is something called a relapse.

If you’ve heard this word and aren’t sure what it means, or if you’re going through a tough time and wonder if it’s a relapse, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll explain what a mental health relapse is, why it happens, and how to take care of yourself during a setback.

What does “relapse” mean in mental health?

A relapse is when symptoms of a mental health condition come back after a period of feeling better. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It doesn’t erase all the progress you’ve made. It just means your brain and body are asking for more support.

Relapse can happen with many types of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. In one study, around 1 in 4 people with bipolar disorder receiving secondary mental health services relapsed over a five-year period. Relapse is often part of the recovery process. What matters most is how you respond to it.

The first step is recognizing relapse. The signs of a relapse are different for everyone. If you are managing depression, for example, you may notice that you’re starting to lose interest in things you enjoy or feel very tired again after a period of improvement. If you have anxiety, worry, panic attacks or racing thoughts may return.

Here are a few more general signs of relapse to look for:

• You stop doing things that used to help, like journaling or attending therapy.
• Your sleep and eating habits change in a negative way.
• You start isolating yourself from friends or family.
• You notice a return of harmful thoughts or behaviors.
• You feel overwhelmed by emotions, like sadness, anger or hopelessness.
• You feel stuck and unsure of how to get back on track.

If any of these sound familiar, you might be experiencing a mental health relapse.

How to navigate a mental health setback

Dealing with a setback can be hard. However, it doesn’t have to send you all the way back to the beginning of your mental health journey. Here are some steps you can take to support yourself during this time:

• Recognize what’s happening — The first step is to notice the signs and name what’s going on. Try saying to yourself, “I think I’m having a setback.” Remember that, while this might be a tough moment, it doesn’t erase your progress. It’s also OK to need more support right now. Relapse isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign that you might need extra care for your mental health, in the same way your physical health needs special attention during a cold or after an injury.
• Reach out for support — Talk to someone you trust. This could be a friend, family member or mental health professional. They can help you feel less isolated and help you figure out your next steps. If you’ve worked with a licensed clinical therapist before, consider checking back in. They already know your story and can help you adjust your treatment plan.
• Revisit helpful tools — Think back to what worked for you in the past. Maybe it was using grounding techniques or spending more time outside. Maybe it was talking to a therapist and creating a structured routine. Try picking one small thing to do today that helped you before. Even a short walk or a deep breathing exercise can be a step in the right direction.

A closer look: Self-harm and depression relapse

• Self-harm relapse — If you’ve worked hard to stop self-harming, going back to it can feel scary and disappointing. Remember that a relapse doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means your pain has become too much to carry on your own. You can learn more about this topic with our blog post Self-Harm Relapse & How to Handle It. We also have a quick self-harm quiz to help you check in with your mental health. These resources can help you understand your behaviors and remind you that help is always available.
• Depression relapse — Depression relapse can occur after months or years of feeling better. It’s often triggered by biological factors and changes in medication adherence as well as external circumstances like stressful events, big life changes or seasonal shifts. The key to navigating depression relapse is to act early. If you start feeling low again, reach out to your mental health treatment provider or a support group. Getting help quickly can make recovery faster and smoother.

Lightfully can help you regain ground after a setback on your mental health journey

At Lightfully, we understand that mental health recovery isn’t always easy. That’s why we offer personalized, compassionate care for people at every stage of their journey. Our team of licensed clinical therapists can help you understand your symptoms, adjust your treatment plan and get back to feeling like yourself again. Whether you need weekly support or a higher level of care, we offer multiple levels of care designed to meet you where you are.

Change is possible, even after a relapse. Reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team to continue your mental health journey. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.