Discover Flow tDCS: TGA-approved at-home headset for depression treatment in Australia. 

Discover how cryotherapy (IceCold gloves & socks) prevents chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Learn the evidence, benefits for hands/feet symptoms, and why prevention beats cure during cancer treatment in Australia.

Reclaiming your mental wellness back from depression is difficult and energy-consuming. While it may take some time to find the right combination of treatments, activities, and therapeutic techniques that work, most people will eventually find relief. After reaching this stage, it may seem like depression is “cured.” For around 50 to 60% of people, it is. However, for many, depression is a recurrent disorder with periods of remission and relapse, similar to asthma, diabetes, or lupus [1]. This can be a difficult message to hear, but knowledge is power. By recognising and understanding the recurring nature of depression, you are in a much better position to manage your condition. Looking after your mental health will never be a one-and-done deal. Instead, it is a responsibility that you will have throughout your lifetime. It’s a tough path, but you never have to go down it alone. Depression treatments, support from loved ones, and guidance from medical professionals are resources that can support you along the way. What Is Depression Relapse? After going through several cycles of recurring depression, I finally understood my pattern. If I wanted to feel better, I would have to keep managing my stressors. Knowing that I can be healthy again motivates me when a relapse eventually happens. - Anonymous After treatment, depression symptoms can go away. Even going through a difficult period doesn’t bring them back. When this happens, depression is considered to be in remission. However, it is common for a depressive episode to reoccur, or relapse, after months or even years of being symptom free. The mental health community defines depression relapse as the re-emergence of symptoms, such as irritability, a sense of worthlessness, or pervasive low mood, after a period of emotional health. While people with recurrent depression can go through periods of emotional stability in between depressive episodes, this is not the same as the cycles associated with bipolar disorder. Although, in isolation, depressive episodes in the two conditions can look very similar. What Is the Difference Between Recurrent Depression and Bipolar Disorder? People with both recurrent depression and bipolar disorder can experience depressive episodes. The major difference is that people with bipolar disorder also experience at least one period of extreme emotional highs, known as mania or hypomania. Bipolar depressive episodes require different treatments than the depressive episodes of recurrent depression, so accurate diagnosis is key. Just one episode of hypomania or mania is enough to eliminate recurrent depression as a diagnosis. If you have ever experienced any combination of the following symptoms of bipolar disorder, consult your doctor: Sense of euphoria or invincibility An increase in risk-taking behaviours Incessant talking, pressured speech patterns Racing thoughts Insomnia and reduced need for sleep [2] Does Everyone Relapse and Why Does It Happen? While the causes of depression relapse aren’t clear, it is very common. Sometimes, relapse arises after facing a series of difficult situations. Other times, it occurs out of nowhere, right when everything seemed to be going so well. Half of people with major depressive disorder will experience more than one episode in their lifetime. After experiencing two episodes, the majority of people will have at least one more relapse. Episodes tend to occur several years apart but may last for weeks or months. Researchers are still uncovering the science behind depression relapses. There is some evidence that some personality traits, like neuroticism and dependency, can increase the likelihood of recurrence. Neuropsychologists are also investigating other possible factors, like hormonal fluctuations, genetics, and sleep quality. Sometimes, the triggers for relapse are easier to identify. A stressful life event, like a job loss, the death of a loved one, or an illness can increase the risk of relapse. Managing stress with less helpful coping mechanisms, such as alcohol or drugs, can also cause a relapse. Since the causes of relapse are both within and outside of our control, it is not easy to say what particular factor causes it. For many people with clinical depression, the chance of relapse is not a question of if, but when. It’s not because they have done anything wrong. It's just the nature of depression as a recurring disease. Even so, relapse can unleash complicated feelings of guilt and hopelessness. If you’ve noticed your depression is coming back, take it easy on yourself. Tough times are inevitable and difficult to predict. For this reason, relapse management is just as important as prevention. How Can We Manage and Prevent Relapse? Since relapse is so common, most psychologists recommend creating and following a relapse prevention plan immediately after depression treatment. How this looks will depend on several factors, including: How many previous relapses you’ve had Your response to antidepressant treatment Generally, people should continue any successful treatment approach for a minimum of 6 months after remission. In the case of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other prescription antidepressants, a psychiatrist may adapt the dose by tapering it over time [3]. Mental health self-care activities like a daily mindfulness meditation practice and a sleep hygiene routine can also reduce the risk of relapse. The relapse prevention plan includes monitoring therapeutic activities to help identify depressive symptoms in the early stages. For example, writing down any worrisome behaviour changes, such as sudden changes to sleeping or eating patterns, and tracking their duration. If symptoms like loss of interest, low mood, and intense feelings of worthlessness or guilt persist for more than 14 days, it could indicate a relapse. Relapse prevention plans include steps to take should depressive symptoms return [4]. Here are a few common actions: Schedule a therapy/ psychiatry appointment Lower stressors by delegating tasks, scaling down projects, or delaying significant changes if possible Call/meet up with a friend or loved one Cut back on alcohol and overprocessed foods Try a few evidence-based journaling prompts[5] What emotion did I feel most today? Where in my body do I feel my emotions? What actions have I done in the past that improved my mood? Can I do any of these actions today? Re-introduce effective depression treatments into your daily routine. Keep evidence-based treatments on-hand, such as a therapy lamp in the case of seasonal depression. Start daily tDCS sessions with the Flow headset. Flow is a medically approved brain stimulation device that you can safely use at home under the supervision of a qualified Health Practitioner to reduce depressive symptoms. You can order the Flow headset and have it delivered directly to your door. If you always have a Flow headset on hand, you can start treatment sessions as soon as depressive symptoms re-emerge [6]. Relapse isn’t a personal failure, but rather an inevitable part of the recovery journey. Having a robust relapse prevention plan in place is the best way to keep depression in check. [1] Burcusa SL, Iacono WG. Risk for recurrence in depression. Clin Psychol Rev. 2007 Dec;27(8):959-85. [2] Altaweel N, Upthegrove R, Surtees A, Durdurak B, Marwaha S. Personality traits as risk factors for relapse or recurrence in major depression: a systematic review. Front Psychiatry. 2023 May 5;14:1176355. [3] Nuggerud-Galeas S, Sáez-Benito Suescun L, Berenguer Torrijo N, Sáez-Benito Suescun A, Aguilar-Latorre A, Magallón Botaya R, Oliván Blázquez B. Analysis of depressive episodes, their recurrence and pharmacologic treatment in primary care patients: A retrospective descriptive study. PLoS One. 2020 May 21;15(5):e0233454. [4] Kang S-G, Cho S-E. Neuroimaging Biomarkers for Predicting Treatment Response and Recurrence of Major Depressive Disorder. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020; 21(6):2148. [5] https://www.choosingtherapy.com/journal-prompts-for-depression/ [6] https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/preventing-relapse-of-depression

Caring for yourself, both physically and emotionally, during cancer treatment is vital to your recovery and can often feel overwhelming. The effects of treatment, combined with everyday pressures, can leave little energy for your own self-care. Prioritising self-care will help you maintain strength, manage symptoms and support in your recovery.  In this post, we’ll explore three key areas to self-care, mindfulness, nutrition and exercise, offering practical ways to nurture your body and mind throughout your cancer journey. Mindfulness and Mental Health Cancer can bring a range of emotional challenges and distress, from anxiety about treatment to trouble sleeping. Mindfulness practices can ease these pressures and improve quality of life. Mindfulness involves your ability to be fully present in a moment and can involve practices such as meditation[1]. Meditation, for example, has been shown to help reduce pain, fatigue, high blood pressure and insomnia, while promoting relaxation and mental clarity[2]. Just a few minutes each day focusing on your breath can make a difference. Journaling is another simple tool that is easy to implement into your routine. Writing down thoughts and feelings can reduce stress, track moods and provide perspective during treatment. Pair this with basic breathing exercises to calm the nervous system and lower tension. These practices can be done anywhere, making them easy to incorporate into your life. Nutrition for Strength and Energy Further, a balanced diet is essential for maintaining your body's strength and supporting recovery, and it is an integral part of self-care. Adequate protein is especially important to maintain muscle mass and energy as cancer takes a large toll on your body. Aim to include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy and healthy fats in your meals. Cancer Council Australia provides nourishing recipe ideas such as chicken satay curry, salmon risotto and protein pancakes to help you meet your needs [3]. Hydration is equally critical. Aim to drink around two litres of fluids a day, more if your doctor recommends it. Water, herbal teas, and clear broths are all adequate forms of hydration. If treatment affects your appetite or ability to absorb nutrients, ask your healthcare team whether vitamin or mineral supplements are appropriate. Key nutrients for many people with cancer include vitamins A, C, D and E, zinc, calcium and magnesium [4]. Your doctor or dietitian can guide you on the right amounts and safe combinations. Exercise for Body and Mind Physical activity supports both your mental well-being and physical strength. Before starting or changing any routine, speak with your doctor to determine what level of activity is safe for you during your treatment and recovery. Gentle movements, such as stretching, standing and light household tasks, can help reduce stiffness and improve circulation. For those cleared for moderate exercise, options like walking, water aerobics or dancing can help boost mood and stamina. If you’re already active and your doctor greenlights it, more vigorous activities such as running, swimming or hiking may be possible [5]. Even small bursts of movement throughout the day can ease fatigue, strengthen muscles and enhance your overall quality of life [6]. It is best to ask your doctor about which exercises are the most beneficial for you.  Mindfulness, nutritious eating and regular exercise each play a crucial role in supporting your wellbeing during cancer treatment. These self-care practices help manage side effects, maintain energy and foster a sense of control. Start small and listen to your body to tailor these suggestions to your individual needs. [1] https://www.headspace.com/mindfulness/mindfulness-101 [2] https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/meditation [3] https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/diet-and-exercise/food-and-nutrition/healthy-recipes [4] https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/vitamins-diet-supplements [5] https://www.cancer.gov/rare-brain-spine-tumor/living/self-care/physical-health [6] https://www.cancersa.org.au/support/living-with-cancer/exercise-for-people-living-with-cancer/about-this-information/