Depression is widely recognized as a serious condition impacting both physical and mental health, affecting about 1 in 7 people in Australia, according to BeyondBlue. But did you know that alongside this ongoing challenge, there’s another concern to watch for: the risk of a depression relapse?
While seeking treatment for depression is crucial and can be very beneficial, it’s important to be aware that the risk of relapse or recurrence remains. This risk is influenced by several factors that can trigger a return of symptoms, highlighting the critical need for strategies that extend beyond just managing symptoms. Luckily, acupuncture offers a holistic approach, targeting the root causes of depression and supporting long-term mental wellness.
In this blog, we’ll explore how acupuncture can be an effective tool in preventing depression relapse to provide you with deeper insights into its role in sustaining mental health and reducing the risk of recurrent depressive episodes.
The Reality Of Depression Relapse and Recurrence
Depression affects millions of individuals globally, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that around 5% of adults experience this condition. Despite advances in treatment, a significant challenge remains: the high rate of relapse and recurrence.
But first, let’s distinguish the difference between these two terms.
A relapse happens when symptoms reappear before a full recovery has been achieved. It’s often a temporary setback during the course of treatment or recovery.
A relapse can occur due to factors like stress, changes in treatment, or other triggers that reintroduce symptoms.
Recurrence, on the other hand, occurs when a person has been symptom-free for a significant period, often months or years, and then experiences a new episode of depression. Recurrence indicates that depression has reappeared as a separate episode after a period of complete remission, suggesting a new cycle of depression.
These instances are common but people fail to recognize that possibility. In fact, a study found that up to 80% of patients will have a recurrence or relapse of their mental illness at some point in their lives.
Meanwhile, the American Psychological Association (APA) reports that over 50% of people who experience their first major depressive episode will face additional episodes, with many relapsing within two years of recovery.
Although there are conventional approaches to preventing relapse like continued use of antidepressant medications and psychotherapy, they often fall short in addressing the underlying causes of depression which is why it often only offers temporary relief rather than long-term resolution. Medications may manage mood, but they do not necessarily resolve deeper, contributing factors. Similarly, psychotherapy, while beneficial, may be limited by accessibility and duration.
Why Does a Depression Relapse or Recurrence Happen?
Depression relapse and recurrence happen when the underlying factors that contribute to depression are not fully addressed, leading to a resurgence of symptoms even after a period of improvement.
One of the primary triggers for relapse is stress. Chronic stress, whether from work, personal relationships, or life changes, can overwhelm the coping mechanisms that were developed during recovery, reigniting depressive symptoms.
Another significant factor is unresolved emotional issues. These are often deeply rooted in past experiences, such as trauma, grief, or unresolved conflicts, that may not have been fully processed during initial treatment.
I have personally observed this among many patients who initially sought treatment for chronic pain only to discover that their pain was significantly influenced by unresolved emotional issues. When these underlying emotional problems remain unaddressed, they can resurface and trigger a relapse when the individual is faced with similar situations or reminders of these past events.
Biological imbalances also play a critical role in depression relapse. Neurotransmitter levels, hormonal fluctuations, and other physiological factors can contribute to mood instability. For instance, imbalances in serotonin, dopamine, or cortisol levels can lead to a recurrence of depressive symptoms. These biological factors often interact with environmental and psychological triggers, creating a complex web that makes relapse more likely.
What Is the Role That Acupuncture Plays in These Instances?
When someone faces a depression relapse or recurrence, acupuncture can be incredibly supportive for your patient’s journey. It offers a natural and holistic way to help manage and prevent a return of symptoms by focusing on the body’s energy and overall balance.
Balancing Qi and Regulating the Nervous System
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture is all about balancing the body’s energy, known as Qi. When Qi is disrupted or out of balance, it can lead to issues with the nervous system, which is often the case in depression. Acupuncture works by targeting specific points on the body to help restore the smooth flow of Qi. This process can help regulate the nervous system, reducing symptoms like anxiety and mood swings. By addressing these imbalances, acupuncture supports mood stabilization and tackles one of the fundamental issues that can lead to relapse.
Neurotransmitter Modulation
Acupuncture also has a direct effect on neurotransmitters in the brain. It can influence crucial
chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a significant role in mood regulation. By encouraging a more balanced release of these neurotransmitters, acupuncture helps to stabilize mood and reduce the chances of depressive symptoms resurfacing. This neurotransmitter modulation is key to maintaining a steady emotional state and preventing relapse.
Stress Reduction and Emotional Resilience
Another key benefit of acupuncture is its ability to manage stress and enhance emotional resilience. As I’ve mentioned before, the human body is not designed to handle constant stress and emotional strain. So when it does undergo excessive stress, it often worsens conditions like depression and anxiety. That happens as stress can overwhelm the body’s natural balance, making it more difficult to maintain mental health.
Meanwhile, acupuncture helps calm the body’s stress response and promotes relaxation. By targeting specific points, it supports the body in resetting its stress mechanisms, reducing the overall impact of stress on mental health. This approach helps you manage daily stressors more effectively and build resilience, so you can navigate challenges with greater ease. Over time, acupuncture helps restore a sense of balance and well-being which allows you to sustain your mental health and prevent future relapses.
Acupuncture Protocols for Relapse Prevention
That said, if you’re an acupuncturist looking to enhance your services and help your patients prevent a depression relapse or recurrence, here are some key strategies to consider:
Looking into Specific Points for Depression Management
Incorporating specific acupuncture points into your protocols can be highly effective in managing depression and preventing relapse. Points such as…
Frequency and Duration of Treatment
For effective management and relapse prevention, begin with a treatment plan that includes frequent sessions. Typically, weekly sessions are recommended to stabilize symptoms and address acute issues. As your patients begin to show improvement, you can gradually reduce the frequency to bi-weekly or monthly. The goal is to maintain therapeutic benefits while allowing patients to gradually transition to a maintenance phase.
Consistent monitoring and flexibility in adjusting treatment based on patient progress are crucial. Regular evaluations help ensure that the treatment remains effective and responsive to any emerging needs or changes in the patient’s mental health status. Emphasize to your patients the importance of adhering to the recommended treatment schedule and being open about any changes in their condition to achieve the best outcomes.
Incorporating Holistic Approaches
In addition to acupuncture, suggesting other holistic approaches can greatly enhance relapse prevention for patients dealing with depression and anxiety. Complementing acupuncture with practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises can further support emotional balance and stress management. These practices help calm the mind, improve self-awareness, and reduce the impact of daily stressors, creating a more resilient mental state.
Encouraging patients to adopt healthy lifestyle habits—such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep—can also make a significant difference. For example, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants support brain health and mood regulation. Regular exercise, even in moderate forms, has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Furthermore, collaborating with other healthcare professionals can enhance the overall treatment plan. By building a network with psychologists, psychiatrists, or wellness coaches, you can provide a more comprehensive approach to managing mental health. This multidisciplinary collaboration ensures that all aspects of a patient’s well-being are addressed, offering a more robust support system and improving the chances of preventing relapse.
Final Takeaway
Acupuncture has been proven effective in treating various health issues, and it’s proving to be especially effective for managing anxiety and depression. Yet, the challenge of depression relapse highlights the need to explore and promote diverse treatment options that harness acupuncture’s potential.
While conventional treatments like medication and therapy are essential, they don’t always work for everyone or cover all bases. That’s where acupuncture steps in, offering a valuable complement to traditional methods.
As acupuncturists, it’s time to leverage these insights to enhance our practice and provide a comprehensive approach to mental health. By integrating acupuncture into relapse prevention strategies, we’re not just addressing symptoms—we’re paving the way for our patients to achieve a more balanced and hopeful life.
