Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression
Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression
Depressive disorders are common but can be experienced differently by everyone. Fortunately, a large proportion of people suffering from depression receive effective treatment. The treatment method often used here is cognitive behavioral therapy. But what exactly is it and why does it work so well?
How does depression develop?
Usually depression arises from a combination of several things. For example, it may be hereditary; depression is more common in some families than others. It may be due to an imbalance in neurotransmitters, substances in your brain that affect mood, among other things. A difficult childhood, little support from your social environment, a drastic event, etc.
People with depression often feel gloomy most of the day and experience (almost) no sense or pleasure in anything. If you have these symptoms for more than two weeks in a row, depression may be present. Depression disrupts your daily life. It bothers you a lot: at home, in your free time and/or at work.
According to Beck, an American psychiatrist, all people prone to depression have one thing in common; negative thoughts. That humans often focus on the negative is evolutionarily well explained. The more errors, danger or failures you record, the better you can prevent them in the future. It increases the chances of survival. In depression, however, this process is runaway. It takes less and less effort for the brain to conjure up negative thoughts.
What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
Activation
In activation, people with depression are instructed to start discovering what satisfying activities are for them, which will make them look back on their own functioning with greater satisfaction. This is accomplished by setting goals, making tasks more fun and increasing (enjoyable) activities. This reduces some of the feeling of depression.
Negative thoughts
People with depression often have a distorted view of themselves, the world and the future (such as “I am a failure,” “no one loves me,” “the future is bleak”). These three types of beliefs are called the cognitive triad. Together with your therapist, you will learn to recognize and critically examine these thoughts. Is what you are thinking correct? Is it realistic? Examining those thoughts can result in a more real view and therefore more real thoughts.
Effectiveness
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a scientifically proven effective treatment option for depression. It is a short-term form of treatment (15 to 20 sessions), in which the goal is to learn not only to think positively, but to learn to think more realistically or balanced. Even after treatment, unpleasant things remain annoying, but you no longer see them as “disasters. It is a safe form of therapy and can be done without medication.
At GGZonline, we offer specialty mental health services.
Online cognitive behavioral therapy
Treatment via video call has been proven to be just as effective as on-site treatment. With the expertise and vast experience in online treatment, the therapist gives you the same confidence as in the treatment room, but at a distance. With online therapy, we help you from your familiar surroundings, from home or any other location. This way, you can work quickly on your recovery, and care does not have to be interrupted if something occurs that prevents you from leaving your home.
You are welcome to GGZ online
Are you struggling with depressive symptoms that you would like to get rid of? Then contact us today through the website. However, you are also welcome if you have a question or if you would like to consult with us without obligation.
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