Suitable therapies for intensive treatment of depression
Suitable therapies for intensive treatment of depression
Depression is the most common mental illness in the Netherlands. Each year, about half a million people aged between 18 and 64 have depression. Most depression occurs between the ages of 18 and 34. Depression is twice as common in women than in men. In reality, these figures are most likely even higher because not everyone seeks help for depression.
This article provides more information on what depression is, what symptoms are associated with depression and what therapies are appropriate to treat depression.
What is depression?
Depression is a mental illness in which there is gloom that lasts for at least two weeks. There are several forms of depression and it can be a result of several causes. For example, depression can be caused by a sad or drastic event such as the loss of a loved one.
Also, prolonged overtiredness can eventually lead to depression. A depression period also occurs in people with bipolar disorder, where manic periods alternate with periods of depression. Furthermore, a person may suffer from seasonal depression, such as winter depression.
In addition, a person may suffer from dysthyme. This is chronic mild depression in which symptoms have been present for at least two years. The symptoms here are less severe than in depression, but then persist for a long time.
Depression involves a gloomy mood, reduced enjoyment and decreased interest. Additional symptoms include weight loss or weight gain, altered sleep patterns, restlessness, not feeling like anything, lowered libido, feelings of guilt, difficulty concentrating, difficulty making choices, brooding and, in severe cases, thinking about death or suicide.
These symptoms need not all be present; it is possible to experience only some of them. Often, though, the “inability to enjoy” (anhedonia) is in the foreground.
At GGZonline, we offer specialty mental health services.
What therapies are appropriate to treat depression?
In addition to medication often prescribed for depression, there are several therapies that can be helpful. Which therapy works best is different for each person. A commonly used therapy for depression is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This is a behavioral and conversational therapy that focuses on the client’s thoughts and their influence on feelings and behaviors. We offer the therapy online, making it low-threshold for you to begin.
One therapy that can help well with people who suffer from avoiding certain situations or feelings is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This involves learning to accept feelings and thoughts without changing them. It also involves looking at meaningful things in your life and using the good sides of yourself.
In addition, interpersonal therapy is used when the depressive symptoms have arisen, for example, when something has changed in a relationship. This involves looking at how you contacts are, what your role in this is and how you can change it.
A good complement to psychotherapy and/or medication is running therapy. This not only has positive effects on your physical fitness, but also on your sleep, gloominess, anxiety, having more energy and being more active in daily life. Another complement to therapy is mindfulness. The goal here is to observe your own thoughts and stop seeing them as reality and learn to recognize negative thoughts in everyday life.
Intensive treatment of depression at GGZ online
Do you have symptoms consistent with depression and are not sure how to get rid of it? During an online intake interview, the therapists at GGZ online will ask about what symptoms you are experiencing and the severity of these symptoms. The therapist will then see which therapy best suits it to ensure that your symptoms will diminish.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or to make an appointment!
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