diff --git a/src/adapters/ipfs/index.js b/src/adapters/ipfs/index.js
index 1fd7fb8..320fb87 100644
--- a/src/adapters/ipfs/index.js
+++ b/src/adapters/ipfs/index.js
@@ -38,6 +38,13 @@ class IPFS {
       return true
     } catch (err) {
       console.error('Error in adapters/ipfs/index.js/start()')
+
+      // If error is due to a lock file issue. Kill the process, so that
+      // Docker or pm2 has a chance to restart the service.
+      if (err.message.includes('Lock already being held')) {
+        process.exit(1)
+      }
+
       throw err
     }
   }