A person must be constantly on guard when he feels himself undergoing a period of spiritual descent, not to lose himself entirely. The plunge in itself is usually far more damaging than the level to which one has descended.

If a person does take hold of himself, not losing his self-control under any circumstances, he will succeed in regaining his former stature, perhaps even being uplifted by his trying experience. ~ R’ Chaim Shmuelevitz zt”l