Depression
How Psychotherapy Can Help You Recover From Depression
How does depression differ from occasional sadness?
Everyone feels sad or "blue" sometimes. Most people grieve over experiences such as a loss of a job, major illness, a death in the family, or a divorce. These feelings of sadness tend to lessen with time.
Depression occurs when feelings of sadness last longer than two weeks or when they interfere with daily living at work or with eating and sleeping. Depressed persons usually feel helpless and hopeless and blame themselves for these feelings. Some have thoughts of suicide.
Depressed people may become overwhelmed and stop taking part in everyday activities. They may withdraw from family and friends.
What causes depression?
Body chemistry influences mood and thought processes, and may contribute to some cases of depression. Illnesses such as heart disease or cancer may provoke depression. For most individuals, depression signals that certain mental and emotional aspects of life are out of balance. Significant transitions and life stressors can help bring about depression. The causes of depression are not always apparent. Depression requires careful evaluation by a trained professional.
Sometimes the circumstances involved in depression are not under our control. At other times, however, depression occurs when people don’t see that they can bring about change.
Can depression be treated successfully?
Yes it can. It is highly treatable when you receive competent care. Psychologists have years of experience helping patients recover.
However, there is still some reluctance associated with seeking help for depression. Unfortunately, depression is often viewed as a sign of weakness rather than something is out of balance. People with depression can not simply "snap out of it" spontaneously.
Those who do not seek help suffer unnecessarily. Isolation can worsen a depression. Professional health care can’t be overemphasized.
How does psychotherapy help people recover from depression?
There are several approaches to psychotherapy that help depressed people recover. Psychotherapy provides people the opportunity to identify what contributes to their depression and how to deal with the psychological, behavioural, interpersonal and situational causes.
Skilled therapists can collaborate with depressed persons to:
- Identify the problems that contribute to their depression. A therapist can help identify options for the future and set realistic goals to enhance wellbeing.
- Identify distorted thinking patterns that lead to hopelessness and helplessness that accompany depression. Depressed persons tend to think of circumstances in terms of "always" or "never." They may also take events personally. A competent therapist can help develop a more positive outlook on life.
- Explore other thoughts and behaviours that contribute to depression. Therapists can help depressed individuals improve patterns of interacting with other people that contribute to their depression.
- Help people regain control and pleasure in life. Psychotherapy helps people see choices and incorporate fulfilling activities back into their lives.
Having one episode of depression greatly increases the risk of having another. There is evidence that psychotherapy may lessen the chance of future episodes.
Family and Friends
The support of family and friends can play a crucial role when someone is depressed. Family and friends can help encourage you to stick with treatment and to practice the techniques and skills you are learning through psychotherapy.
Living with a depressed person can be very difficult and stressful for family and friends.
Are medications useful for treating depression?
Medications can be very helpful for reducing the symptoms of depression in some people. Given the side effects, a doctor must closely monitor the use of the prescribed drugs.
Some individuals may prefer psychotherapy instead of medication, especially if their depression is not severe. A therapist can help make recommendations about an effective course of treatment for an individual's depression.
Depression can impair your ability to function in everyday situations. The prospects for recovery are very good for those who seek psychotherapy. Feeling safe and confident in therapy is very important to the success of treatment. It is important for you to feel that the therapist is genuinely interested in you, listening and responsive to what you share and the concerns you raise.