Depression

CBT uses evidence based therapies including ACT, Mindfulness and Compassion Focused therapy to treat depression. The Government Nice Guidelines recommends CBT as one of the recommended treatments for depression.

There are many different types of depression which can each cause different symptoms such as:

- Intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness - Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities - Disturbed sleep,poor appetite, fatigue and loss of libido - Difficulty concentrating and making decisions - Anger and irritability - Self isolation - Overthinking and rumination/self-critical thinking

If you think you are struggling with depression it is important to recognize that you are not alone and that talking to someone about how you are feeling can be the first step towards your recovery. This could be a trusted friend, family member or your GP.

Within our practice we can arrange for you to be seen by a psychiatrist who will be able to formally diagnose you and if necessary, offer to prescribe anti- depressant medication.

CBT uses a combination of cognitive and behavioural approaches to treat depression with the aim of helping you to identify and distance yourself from unhealthy patterns of thinking and recognize some of the maladaptive behaviours which maintain your low mood. This helps you to think in a more balanced way and put into practice more adaptive behaviours which break the negative cycle of depression.

Effective therapy can help you:

1 Understand typical triggers for your depression and how this can be related to previous difficult life experiences

2 Manage the symptoms of depression

3 Learn to recognize distorted and unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour and to reduce critical self-talk and judgement

4 Engage in behavioural activation techniques which are in line with what is of value to you

5 Learn coping mechanisms and skills to help overcome any future depressive episodes