Depression

DEPRESSION

Depressed Mood is central to a few disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD). With PDD, symptoms of depression are less acute and occur over two or more years. On the other hand, an MDD diagnosis involves at least two weeks of more intense symptoms. That said, if you are struggling with depressed mood and your symptoms don’t fall into either of these realms, you could still benefit from seeking therapy for depression.

In addition to depressed mood, those with these disorders have a host of other symptoms. For example, they may lose joy in the things that once made them excited. They might also notice changes in appetite as well as sleep struggles or increased need for sleep. What’s more, many depressed individuals find it hard to concentrate and make decisions. They may be more prone to fatigue and experience slower motor function. Often, those with depression feel a sense of guilt or worthlessness, even though they have done nothing to warrant these feelings. In fact, many also have thoughts of suicide or attempt to take their lives. Sadly, some individuals with depression die by suicide.

THERAPY FOR DEPRESSION

Good news: there is help. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for Depressive Disorders. CBT involves a number of approaches. First, people learn how thoughts can impact feelings and actions. Individuals also learn to become aware of thoughts and suspicious of their content. Next, people with depression learn to consider their thoughts instead of taking them at face value. As part of this process, depressed people learn about different types of errors in thinking called cognitive distortions. Armed with this knowledge, they can start to call out flawed thinking patterns as they arise. This helps them to get more distance from their thoughts, which gives them a chance to behave differently in the face of them. What’s more, individuals with depression learn not to exacerbate feelings by actively engaging with faulty thinking.

In addition to dealing with thinking, treatment for depression involves Behavioral Activation (BA). In BA, people with depression commit to engaging with life in meaningful ways. Many with depression stop doing these things because of their low moods. Behavioral activation is about taking action in the absence of motivation or inspiration, in order to help create causes and conditions that may support a shift toward different emotional states.