What depression might look like:
Depression is more than just feeling sad or down; it's a mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. When you're depressed, you might lose interest in things you once enjoyed, feel constantly tired, and even notice changes in your weight due to a lack of appetite. You might also experience feelings of hopelessness and emptiness nearly every day, have trouble thinking clearly, and find yourself dwelling on negative thoughts. In severe cases, you might even have recurring thoughts about death.
Depression is a serious mental health issue that should be addressed early to prevent it from taking a greater toll on your quality of life.
Effective treatment:
One of the most effective treatments for depression is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
You may expect your therapist to do an initial assessment and monitor your progress. Upon understanding your issues through the intake, your therapist will work with you to develop clear, achievable goals to guide your therapy sessions. In CBT work, you’ll work with your therapist to challenge and change the automatic negative thoughts that fuel your depression. For example, you might explore questions like:
Do I have evidence that supports this belief?
Do I have evidence that contradicts this belief?
What could be an alternative perspective on this situation?
Where appropriate your therapist may also recommend assignments such as reflection exercises or progress reports to enhance your active participation in therapy.
Does CBT Really Work?
A review of 115 studies found that CBT significantly improves depression symptoms for many people (Gautam et al., 2020). By challenging the negative beliefs that sustain depression, CBT can help you develop healthier thought patterns.
It is important to note that CBT generally requires:
Your active participation and willingness to engage in the process
Your self – reflection and critical thoughts about your thoughts and behaviours (which could be challenging for some)
A good enough therapeutic alliance to enhance the effectiveness of your treatment
While CBT generally works, your clinician is skilled enough to determine if that's the best therapeutic model that can be used to support you. Ask questions so you can be most supported to achieve your goals.
You Don’t Have to Face Depression Alone
Remember, you don’t have to go through depression alone, and it’s never too late to seek help. If you’re struggling with depressive symptoms, reaching out to a professional can make a significant difference in your life. Take the first step towards feeling better today.
References
Gautam, M., Tripathi, A., Deshmukh, D., & Gaur, M. (2020). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 62(Suppl 2), S223–S229. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_772_19.
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