Signs of Depression and How CBT Helps Reduce Depression

Posted by John Smith on January 7th, 2021

Summary:

Depression has become a common mental health problem in people of all ages. Being depressed can make you feel irritated, helpless, sad and less moody. You can seek the help of a doctor and discuss your mental health issues. With therapy and some medications, you will feel better. Today, in this post, we will talk about the signs of depression and how CBT therapy helps in getting relief from depression and anxiety.

Body:

Are you depressed? Feeling worried or helpless? Coping with depression is always hard. No matter how helpless you feel, you can get rid of it and feel better by seeking help of doctor. By learning the cause of your depression and identifying the different symptoms and types of depression, you can take the first steps to feel better and overcoming the problem.

Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms that determine whether we're depressed or it is sadness that we all experience sometimes in our lives. If you are unhappy, it doesn't mean you are depressed. It is important to remember that these symptoms may be part of the normal course of life. When dealing with depression, sometimes you may feel that no one understands you, we may feel alone and do not like to talk to anyone. In this case, talk to the close one, friends, families who understand your feelings or consult a Psychiatrist/ Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) specialist.

Here, we have listed signs of depression, which help you determine whether you’re depressed or not!

Feeling low mood or hopelessness: Sometimes you may feel low moody, helpless, or hopeless, this may be a sign of depression.

Loss of interest or Loss of Confidence: You no longer care about your hobbies, social activities, or sex. Sometimes you lose your interest in office work as well as your confidence and forget to feel joy & pleasure

Feeling Tired: Sometimes you might feel restless, tired, fatigued, loss of energy, normal aches and pains, and thinking too much is another sign of feeling depressed. You may feel heavy, and even small tasks may be exhausting or take longer to complete.

Not Taking Proper Diet: Whether you not eating enough or overeating, this may be a sign of depression.  In general case, losing interest in appetite is a symptom of depression.

Sleep changes: Not sleeping properly, early morning walking (insomnia) or oversleeping, this shows that something is bothering you and you’re depressed.

Anger or irritability: Feeling agitated, restless, frustrated or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, short temper, and feeling hurting yourself, these are a sign of depression.

Self-loathing: A strong sense of worthlessness or inner guilt. Criticizing yourself for the perceived flaws, faults and errors. 

Concentration problems: Difficulties in focusing, remembering things or making decisions. You may feel less confident while making any decisions.

If you feel or experience any of the above signs of depression for 2-3 weeks or longer, seek the help of a doctor or Psychiatrist. There are many ways to cure depression including yoga, meditation, and various therapies.

Among all therapies, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is an effective therapy that helps people recognize the cause of depression. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help people identify and change destructive or disturbing thoughts that negatively affect behaviour and emotions. It generally helps on changing negative thoughts that may cause depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and increase emotional difficulties. If you are seeking the help of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) specialist, then it often requires only 10 to 20 sessions. In CBT therapy sessions, the specialist can help you break down reactions and thought patterns into several categories of self-defeating thought.

CBT involves a variety of techniques and methods for solving thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. There are many types of treatments involving CBT. While each type of cognitive behavioral therapy has a different approach, but they all work similarly to address the underlying thinking patterns that cause psychological distress. With the help of CBT, you can relieve depression, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias and other mental illnesses.

Conclusion:

Identifying your root cause of depression is the best way to deal with your mental health disorders. Talk to your doctor or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) specialist, and discuss your issues and problems. Along with yoga and CBT treatment, you can overcome your stress and get rid of depression easily.

About the author:

The author is a Mumbai-based Indian female psychologist living in Dubai. She is specialized in offering CBT therapy and other therapy to children, adolescents, adults and couples with various mental disorders.