Share, Send, or Save
Recognizing potential depression triggers

Life happens

Even if you’re treating your depression and feeling better, the reality is that certain things might occur that, combined with your psychological and genetic makeup, may cause your symptoms to return. These are called “triggers.” Knowing these possible “triggers” may help you prepare for their impact.

Major life events

Significant life transitions and stressors such as the death of a loved one, moving, marital distress, or the loss of a job can sometimes trigger a return of depression symptoms or a new episode of depression. Environmental factors like abuse, neglect, or poverty can make people susceptible to depression more vulnerable to the condition.

Smaller frustrations

Sometimes, more subtle things like a disagreement with a loved one or an unexpected bill can also contribute to people feeling more depressed. People with low self-esteem who are overwhelmed by stress are more vulnerable to depression.

Everyone occasionally feels sad or blue. A loved one’s death, losing your job, or dealing with a breakup can be difficult experiences to cope with. It is normal to feel sadness or grief when dealing with life’s disappointments. But feelings like these typically pass with time.

Depression, on the other hand, can last for weeks, months—even years. There’s a significant difference between feeling sad and suffering from depression. Depression is a serious medical condition that can affect how you feel, how you think, and how you function in daily life. The good news is that successful treatment of depression is a realistic goal.

Recognizing potential depression triggers

Health changes

In recent years, researchers have found that physical changes in the body can also bring on mental changes. For example, medical illnesses such as stroke, cancer, and Parkinson's disease can increase the risk of depression for some people.

Here’s the good news

Outside factors can have positive effects, too. For example, reconnecting with an old friend or finally finishing that big project may help you feel better. Even lifestyle changes like getting regular exercise may help your mood.

Remember, if you feel your symptoms may be worsening or returning, be sure to talk to your doctor right away. Don’t stop taking your medication without first talking with your health care professional.

What Would You Like to Do Next?
Important Safety Information About PRISTIQ
Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, teens, and young adults. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy or when the dose is changed should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior such as becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, or restless. Should these occur, report them to a doctor right away. PRISTIQ is not approved for use in children under 18.

Do not take PRISTIQ if you are allergic to desvenlafaxine, venlafaxine, or any of the ingredients in PRISTIQ. Do not take PRISTIQ if you currently take, or have taken within the last 14 days, any medicine known as an MAOI (including intravenous methylene blue or the antibiotic linezolid).

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a health care provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a health care provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

The product information provided in this site is intended for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

 
 
Copyright © 2013 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. PQP533710-01