Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression treatment

What is Depression?

Most people feel anxious or down some of the time. It is normal for people to feel down or anxious in response to a difficult life event such as the loss of a job, going through a separation or the loss of a loved one. Perhaps you’re struggling in relationships and find it hard to connect with others. Maybe you’re having difficulties being present and productive at work. These feelings are normal reactions to some of life’s stressors and challenges in everyday life. Others experience these feelings often and without any particular reason making it more difficult to function as usual.  When your sad mood continues for two weeks or longer and occurs most of the day it may indicate depression. It can impact relationships, family function and lost work or school productivity.

Depression is a condition which is usually characterized by feelings of sadness, discouragement, emptiness or a loss of interest in activities which occurs for more than two weeks. Depression affects people negatively in many ways. It affects how you think, feel and behave. It may include a lack of pleasure in activities you once enjoyed where you don’t feel like going out and doing the things you used to enjoy. Sometimes people dwell on past mistakes or experiences in which they felt a lot of shame or guilt. You may feel like sleeping much of the day. There may be weight loss or weight gain, fatigue or low energy. There can be a struggle to make simple decisions. You may interpret situations in a negative way and take on a negative outlook. You may have difficulty concentrating or feel worthless.

Depression occurs more often in women than in men. In men depression often manifests as irritability, anger and tiredness. In women, depression tends to manifest as tiredness, guilt and worthlessness. People with depression often experience symptoms similar to those of an anxiety disorder such as irritability and nervousness. Many people suffer from both disorders. Mild to severe depression may occur in conjunction with anxiety disorders and other psychological disorders. One in five people will experience depression at some point in their lives.

Depression is experienced differently for each person. Depression can occur after a significant change in your life such as a break-up, loss, a career change or an illness diagnosis. Depression in teenagers can also cause feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in activities for more than a two week period. Issues such as problems with friends, peer pressure, bullying, academic pressures and their changing bodies can lead to changes in mood.

How can depression be treated with cognitive behaviour therapy?

Depression is treatable. Most people with depression feel better with antidepressant medication, psychotherapy or when both are combined. Cognitive behaviour therapy and its effectiveness for relieving symptoms of depression has been demonstrated repeatedly. Regardless of the cause of your depression, if you have suffered a loss and cannot seem to bounce back or are experiencing feelings of helplessness or hopelessness, cognitive behaviour therapy can be helpful for you. In a safe space, we can identify and address your depression.

Cognitive behaviour therapy is a type of treatment that is based on research findings. It is referred to as an evidence-based practice.  Cognitive behaviour therapists focus more on the current situation and its solution rather than on past issues. It can create a new way of relating to and understanding yourself. It can help you develop greater self-worth and self-confidence. It can replace ways of living that do not work well with ways of living that work. It can help you evaluate your unhelpful thoughts, overcome barriers to achieving your aspirations and teach you new skills to get better.

We can challenge your negative thinking and develop strategies to change your behaviour and achieve your goals in life. Most people with depression think it is the situation in their lives that brings about their sadness. However, our feelings come from how we interpret the situations we experience in life. CBT interventions generally focus on helping clients become more engaged in activities they value and have given up.

Will cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) help my depression?

Over 2,000 studies show that cognitive behavioural therapy can help people with a range of health and mental health conditions such as depression and quality of life issues. Many studies have demonstrated that cognitive behaviour therapy is at least as effective as anti-depressant medications in mild to moderate depression. Cognitive behaviour therapy has been shown to significantly reduce the recurrence of depression over a one to two year period following treatment. Antidepressant medications can also be very helpful in treating depression and can be used together with psychotherapy in chronic or severe depression.

As a CBT therapist I strive to provide a supportive, compassionate and collaborative relationship with my clients. I prioritize treatment to your preferences and I value genuineness and transparency in the therapeutic relationship. I look forward to supporting you in accomplishing your goals to live the life you want.

The weight of depression can be lifted. You don’t have to deal with it all on your own. Cognitive behavioural therapy is considered the gold standard of psychotherapy options for depression. Cognitive behaviour therapy  for depression can help you get to the root of your unique situation and help you to build your own action plan so that you can feel joy and fulfillment again. Get started with treatment now!