Don't ignore warning signs

Why do we not heed to warnings until it’s too late?

Ignoring warning signals must be part of human nature.

People, including myself, don’t always take cover when a tornado warning is sounded. How many times has there been a warning declared and nothing ever happen? We shouldn’t ignore the warnings, but we do.

It’s the same thing with our health. Health warnings are everywhere. Our bodies cue us in on various warning signs when we’re doing too much or when something internal is not functioning properly. Ignoring our body’s warning signs can harm us and in some instances kill us.

I thought my depression would be treated and I'd move on instead of the journey it became. The reality is that I've had two relapses since my onset over two years ago. I've never been able to determine what triggers the relapse, but I don't allow myself to have too many "down" days in row before reacting.

Once diagnosed with depression, there is a high rate of depression relapse. In fact, studies have shown a fifty-percent relapse rate. If a person has had two or more depressive episodes, the relapse rate raises to seventy percent[1].

Warnings Signs of Relapse

Increased negative thoughts; suicidal thoughts
Sleeping too little or too much
Increase in irritability
Weightloss or weight gain based on eating habits
Trouble making decisions, clouded thinking, lack of concentration
Withdraw from social activities

[1] Tartakovsky, M. (2013, June 8). Top Relapse Triggers for Depression & How to Prevent Them. Retrieved January 07, 2016, from http://psychcentral.com/lib/top-relapse-triggers-for-depression-how-to-prevent-them/