Depression

Everyone feels sad at times or inexplicably tearful or just plain “down.”

These uncomfortable feelings are part of life. But when these feelings persist for weeks and weeks, affecting the way one eats and sleeps, feels about oneself, and thinks about family, friends, and work, then this is not just a part of life, but symptoms of clinical depression.

There are a number of different symptoms such as:

• Loss of energy
• No interest in activities and in life
• Sadness and feelings of hopelessness
• No real appetite
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritable and perhaps indecisive
• Thoughts of suicide
• Many people who are depressed feel anxious as well – worried, nauseated or dizzy, sometimes with hot or cold flushes, blurred vision, racing heart beat and sweating.

 

What causes Depression?

A number of different factors can cause it. These factors can be biochemical, interpersonal, behavioural or cognitive (thinking).

 

 

How does Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) work for Depression?

CBT treats depression by identifying thinking patterns that cause and maintain depression.

I use this therapy approach because it focuses on present, “here and now” thoughts and behaviours.

Together you and I will identify your symptoms and their severity, select goals you wish to attain in treatment (such as increasing self esteem or improving communication).

I will help you to look at how your actions or lack of actions contribute to your feelings and identify negative or unrealistic ways of thinking that may make you feel depressed.

CBT treatment for depression requires your active participation.  Together we will work to improve ways of thinking and behaving outside of the counselling session—“homework”.

 

How effective is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Depression?

Numerous research studies across the world and major universities have consistently demonstrated that CBT is as effective as anti-depressant medication.

With twenty or less sessions of individual therapy, approximately 75% of patients experience a significant decrease in their symptoms.

 

Are medications useful?

Various medications have been found to be effective in the treatment of depression. It usually takes two to four weeks before you will feel the benefit of the medication in your system. Some medications may have negative effects – these are usually temporary and decrease over time. Unlike tranquillizers, anti-depressants are not addictive.

A combination of CBT and anti-depressant medication increases the efficacy of CBT to 85% in some studies. CBT also teaches people to prevent depressive symptoms from coming back.