I was asked recently to provide CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) for a client with depression by her psychiatrist... which prompted considerable thought and discussion. I do not believe that, for the most part, depression is something that you can out-think! In fact, believing this can cause more problems and collude with the belief that there is "something wrong with me", "there's no hope", "it's not worth it" and "why bother, nothing will work".
To me, using CBT for depression is like using it for diabetes... There is however, a place for CBT in helping people increase their awareness and understanding of their depression and assisting in their recovery.
There remains considerable mis-information regarding what depression is, it's cause and it's "cure".
The more I work with people who suffer from depression, the more I seem to realize that it is often more genetic than circumstantial. Most clients have already attempted to manage or deal with their quiet suffering, to no avail. Providing them with yet another list of to do's to "correct" the problem can only add to their belief. Essentially, depression contributes to the "why bother" mantra that rings constantly, regardless of effort or method... which leads me to the conclusion that for some, in spite of their best efforts and knowledge and intelligence, when depression hasn't been "corrected" there must be another reason. People don't ask for this condition!
The exact cause of depression is not known. Many research clinicians believe it is caused by a chemical imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain. This can be further exacerbated by traumatic life events. Most people feel the need to place external fault on their depression. i.e. it's because I lost my job, I'm over-sensitive, my marriage broke up, my Dad died, etc. ....
Some types of depression run in families. But depression can also occur if you have no family history of the illness. Anyone can develop depression, even kids.
Depression can change or distort the way you see yourself, your life, and those around you.
People who have depression usually see everything with a more negative attitude, unable to imagine that any problem or situation can be solved in a positive way.
Symptoms of depression can include:
- Lack of motivation
- Sense of apathy
- Agitation, restlessness, and irritability (anxiety is often experienced with depression)
- Dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss or appetite
- Very difficult to concentrate and focus
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt
- Becoming withdrawn or isolated
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping
Depression can appear as anger and discouragement, rather than feelings of sadness.
If depression is very severe, there may also be psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions.
What we do know is that depression is very serious and it is, in most cases, not self-correctable! The obvious behaviours that may help are attempting to bring your body back into stasis through proper nutrition, exercise and sleep... having challenges with this is normal... Being able to create a " thought buffer" around your depression is also helpful... understanding it as a chemical imbalance, not part of your who you are or your self-identity.
This may provide you with an ability to provide yourself with options in how you see yourself or a particular situation...
These are management techniques, not corrections.
If you or someone you know is having difficulty with depression, contact me or another specialist to discuss this more. Do not dismay, there are alternatives. You do not have to continue to suffer!
Until later,
Leland
www.CounsellingandMediation.com
Leland@CounsellingandMediation.com
705 999 2107 (office)
905 510 9117 (iphone)
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