Reducing the Risk of Relapse

The best way to lower your chances of relapse is to take good care of yourself and watch your symptoms carefully. Here are tips from other people who say they're feeling better:

"I go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day"
"I take a walk almost every day"
"I feel better when I eat at least 2 or 3 meals every day"
"I now know I have to keep taking my medicine every day — things got really bad when I stopped the last time
"If I feel really upset, I listen to music"
"I stay away from my friends who like to drink. I can really get into it when I'm with them"
"I met a friend with the same problem that I have and we talk to each other every day"

You may have symptoms that have improved but haven't disappeared completely yet, even though you're taking your medicine every day. These are called residual symptoms.

Watch for residual symptoms that get worse or new symptoms that suddenly appear, which are known as early-warning symptoms. These symptoms warn you that a relapse may be starting. Early-warning symptoms can be described as:

Changes or strange experiences you have when you start getting sick again
Symptoms that come back at the very beginning of a relapse
Changes in your behavior that other people notice when you start to relapse

One way to keep track of early-warning symptoms is to write them down on a calendar or journal on the date they happen. Also, note if the symptom has gotten worse since the last time you checked. In this way, you can tell your doctor when your symptoms first started bothering you and if they've gotten worse over time.

Your family and friends can also help you avoid a relapse. The more they know about you and your illness, the better prepared they will be to help you when you're in need. Here are some things you can do to help your family members and friends help you:

Teach them about your illness and your particular needs
Share your feelings and thoughts with them
Make sure they know your early-warning symptoms
Have them talk to your doctor, nurse, case manager, or other healthcare professionals involved in your treatment so they can help you plan what to do to reduce the risk of a relapse
Suggest they join a support group for family members and friends
Teach them what to do in the event of an emergency

Talk to Your Doctor

If you have additional questions or concerns about this topic, talk to your doctor.