It is no secret that therapy can be an effective treatment for depression. But how does it work? The answer may depend on what kind of therapy you’re receiving. Different types of therapy can be more or less effective for different people. But in general, therapy can help by providing a space to talk about your feelings, learn new coping mechanisms, and develop a stronger support network. It is advised that a depression treatment center is sought if you have any symptoms.
Depression: What it is and How to Cope
Depression is a mental illness that can affect anyone, at any age. Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and/or emptiness that last for more than two weeks. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 17.3 million American adults suffer from depression in any given year.
Depression can make it hard to concentrate, eat, sleep, or enjoy activities that used to bring pleasure. It can also lead to physical health problems. People who are depressed may also suffer from anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse problems, and/or social isolation. untreated depression can lead to suicide.
What Causes Depression?
There is no one cause of depression. Rather, it is often the result of a combination of genetic, biochemical, psychological, and environmental factors. Some people may be predisposed to depression due to their genes or family history. Others may develop depression after experiencing a traumatic event or significant life stressors such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or job loss. Some medical conditions can also contribute to depressive symptoms.
How is Depression Treated?
Depression is treatable. The first step is to see a doctor or mental health professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be causing the depressive symptoms. If there are no medical causes for the depression, the patient will likely be referred to a mental health specialist for further evaluation.
There are several different treatment options available for depression including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. The most effective treatment plan will likely include a combination of these three things. Medication can be used to help stabilize moods and alleviate some of the symptoms of depression. Therapy can help patients understand and work through the events and experiences that may have triggered their depression. Lifestyle changes such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can also help alleviate some of the symptoms of depression and improve overall mental health.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps people change the way they think and behave in order to improve their mental health. CBT can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression.
One of the ways CBT can help treat depression is by teaching people how to identify and change negative thinking patterns. People with depression often have negative thoughts about themselves, their loved ones, and the world around them. These negative thoughts can lead to decreased self-esteem, isolation, and hopelessness. CBT teaches people how to recognize these negative thoughts and reframe them in a more positive light. For example, if you’re thinking “I’m such a failure,” CBT would encourage you to reframe that thought as “I’m doing my best.”
CBT can also help people with depression learn new coping mechanisms. People with depression often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse, self-harm, and risky behavior. CBT can teach people healthy coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and journaling.
Interpersonal Therapy
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is another type of therapy that can be used to treat depression. IPT focuses on improving communication skills and relationships. This type of therapy can be helpful for people with depression because it helps them build a stronger support network which can provide much-needed social interaction and reduce isolation.
IPT also helps people with depression learn how to cope with significant life changes, such as the loss of a job or the end of a relationship. Life changes are often difficult for people with depression because they can trigger negative thought patterns and lead to increased stress levels. IPT helps people identify these stressors and develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with them.
Therapy is one of the most common treatments for depression. There are many different types of therapy available, each with its own unique benefits. In general, therapy can help by providing a space to talk about your feelings, learn new coping mechanisms, and develop a stronger support network. If you think you might benefit from therapy, speak with your doctor or mental health professional to see what type of therapy would be right for you.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
