CBT Therapy for Overcoming Depression

 

Depression is a common mental health problem characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities. Alongside a range of physical and cognitive symptoms. It affects how a person feels, thinks and behaves and can significantly impact their daily life.

Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a down day. It is a complex condition that involves a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. It can occur as a result of various circumstances, such as a traumatic life event, a major loss, chronic stress, or a combination of factors.

The symptoms of depression:

The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person. However, these are the most common.

Emotional symptoms: Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, irritability, and anxiety.

Behavioural symptoms: Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities, social withdrawal, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleep), and difficulty concentrating or making decisions.

Physical symptoms: Fatigue or loss of energy, unexplained aches and pains, headaches, digestive issues, and changes in sexual desire.

Depression is diagnosed based on the presence of  symptoms and severity and impact on daily functioning. It is important to note that everyone’s experience of depression is unique and individuals may not experience all of the symptoms listed above.

Treatment for depression typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies. Antidepressant medications may be prescribed to help regulate brain chemicals associated with mood. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, stress management techniques, and social support can play a significant role in managing depression.

The Causes of Depression

As common as depression is—about one person in 10 experiences depression in any given year—it still eludes complete understanding. The trigger for depression can be almost any negative experience or hardship. Triggers can be external—losing a parent (especially when young), losing a job or developing a debilitating disease—or they can be internal and invisible, such a brooding over that most common of experiences, a failed relationship. People differ in their susceptibility, both by virtue of the biological heritage, their parenting heritage, their styles of thinking, the coping skills they acquire or deliberately cultivate, and the degree to which situations afford them the ability to control their fate.

How do thinking styles influence depression?

Brooding over mistakes or unpleasant experiences, jumping to catastrophic conclusions from one or two setbacks, overgeneralizing from limited evidence—all are errors of thinking, or cognitive distortions, strongly linked to depression.

Medical help for depression typically involves the use of antidepressant medications prescribed by a GP.

Key points about medical treatment for depression:

Antidepressant medications: There are several classes of antidepressant medications available, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and others. These medications work by altering the levels of certain brain chemicals involved in mood regulation, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They can help alleviate depressive symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Prescription and supervision: Antidepressant medications are prescribed by a GP or other qualified healthcare professional. They will consider factors like the severity of depression, individual symptoms, medical history, and potential drug interactions before selecting the appropriate medication. It’s important to follow the prescribed dosage and schedule and to have regular check-ins with your GP to monitor the effectiveness and manage any side effects.

Time frame for effectiveness: Antidepressant medications often take a few weeks to start showing their full effects. It’s essential to be patient and continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if there are no immediate improvements. Abruptly stopping antidepressants without medical guidance can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a relapse of depression. It’s crucial to work closely with your GP provider to find the right medication and dosage that works best for an individual’s specific needs.

Side effects: Like any medication, antidepressants can have side effects. Common side effects may include nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, weight changes, sexual dysfunction, or dry mouth. It’s important to discuss potential side effects with your GP and report any concerns or adverse reactions. In some cases, adjustments to the medication or switching to a different one may be necessary to manage side effects effectively.

It’s important to note that medical help is just one component of comprehensive depression treatment. It is often combined with therapy, lifestyle changes, social support, and self-care practices to provide holistic support for managing depression effectively.

How can CBT Therapy help depression?

In most cases, a combination of medication and CBT therapy may be recommended for treating depression. This approach can provide comprehensive support by addressing both the biological and psychological aspects of depression. Counselling or CBT Therapy can help individuals develop coping skills, identify negative thinking patterns and work through underlying issues, while medication can help alleviate symptoms and create a more stable mod.

If negative thinking is left unchecked can breed self-doubt and hopelessness. What’s more, studies show that negative thinking styles such as catastrophising actually change physiology. Researchers have found that they enhance reactivity to painful stimulation and raise levels of the stress hormone cortisol and of pro-inflammatory agents in the blood. The inflammatory response brings on behavioural changes commonly associated with both sickness and depression—fatigue, slow reaction time, cognitive sluggishness, and loss of appetite.

CBT Therapy can be highly effective in helping individuals with depression.

Ways in which CBT therapy can help in overcoming depression

Providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment

CBT Therapy offers a safe space for individuals to express their thoughts, emotions, and concerns without fear of judgment. It provides an opportunity to be heard and understood, which can be particularly valuable for someone experiencing depression who may feel isolated or misunderstood.

Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns

Depression often involves distorted and negative thinking patterns. Therapists, particularly those trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can help individuals identify and challenge these negative thoughts and beliefs. By examining the evidence for and against these thoughts, individuals can develop a more balanced and realistic perspective, reducing the impact of negative thinking on their mood.

Developing coping strategies and problem-solving skills

CBT Therapy equips individuals with effective coping strategies to manage their symptoms and navigate life’s challenges. Our therapists can teach practical skills such as relaxation techniques, stress management strategies, and problem-solving skills. These tools empower individuals to better cope with stressors and setbacks, which can help alleviate depressive symptoms.

Exploring underlying issues and triggers

Depression can be influenced by various factors. Such as past experiences, unresolved conflicts or ongoing stressors. Therapy provides an opportunity to explore these underlying issues in a safe and supportive environment. By gaining insight into the root causes of their depression, individuals can work towards resolving these issues and making positive changes in their lives.

Setting goals and promoting behaviour change

Our CBT Therapists can help with depression by setting realistic goals and develop a plan to achieve them. By breaking larger goals into smaller, manageable steps, therapy can assist individuals in taking positive actions and making meaningful changes in their lives. This process can enhance self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment, which can contribute to improved mood and overall well-being.

Providing ongoing support and guidance.

Depression can be a chronic or recurring condition, and therapy offers ongoing support to individuals throughout their recovery journey. Therapists can help individuals monitor their progress, identify warning signs of relapse, and provide guidance and support during difficult times. Having a therapist as a consistent source of support can be invaluable in maintaining mental health and preventing future episodes of depression.

It is important to note that different therapeutic approaches may be used in treating depression. The effectiveness of therapy can vary depending on the individual and their specific needs. It is recommended to work with a qualified mental health professional who will tailor the therapy approach to address the unique circumstances.

If you would like some professional CBT Therapy for help in overcoming depression. Contact us at CBT and Counselling Kent today.Book Online Now