DePRESSION Therapist in Boston

 

ABOUT DEPRESSION

 

Depression is a common mental disorder that is serious due to the negative effects on how you feel, think, act, and distinguish the world around you. It causes you trouble participating in normal day activities and may even make you feel like life isn’t worth living. It’s more than just “feeling down”; you can’t just “snap out of it”. It takes time to overcome, but it can be solved with medication and visiting psychotherapy.


It has been discovered that approximately three out of every 10 adults have suffered from depression at some point in their lives. It has also been discovered that about 18% of adults are currently battling depression today. Although this disorder can happen to anyone at any age and time, it usually occurs during the late teens to mid-twenties. It has also been proven that women face depression more than men, and younger adults are more likely to face depression more than older adults.

 
 
 

Symptoms May Include:

  • Feeling sad, tearful, or hopeless

  • Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed

  • Irritability or frustration

  • Change in appetite (eating more or less than usual)

  • Change in sleep patterns (sleeping more or less than usual)

  • Feeling tired or lacking energy

  • Feeling worthless or guilty

  • Anxiety or restlessness

  • Slowed thinking and body movements

  • Trouble concentrating

  • Thoughts of suicide or death

Risk Factors May Include:

  • Genetics: Families may have a history of depression, which may be carried on to newer generations. 

  • Biochemical: Depression can be caused by chemicals in the brain like neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. 

  • Personality: People with low self-esteem may fall victim to depression, especially if they are easily overwhelmed by stress and generally pessimistic. 

  • Hostile Environments: Environments that include violence, neglect, abuse, and poverty can heavily increase the chances of depression. 

 
 

Self-Care for Depression

There are several ways people diagnosed with depression can reduce their symptoms. One is exercise, which creates a positive feeling while improving your mood. Other opportunities include getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and avoiding alcohol. If you feel that self-care treatment isn’t enough, contact the experts at Soultality in Cambridge, MA, for the proper treatment.

 

DEPRESSION TREATMENT

Cognitive Behavior Treatment (CBT) is an evidence-based psychological treatment that has proven to be effective through scientific research for depression. CBT for depression is a structured, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depressive feelings. The goal of CBT for depression is to help individuals break the cycle of negative thinking and improve their emotional well-being. Here’s how CBT typically works in treating depression:

Key Components of CBT for Depression:

  1. Cognitive Restructuring:

    • This involves identifying negative or distorted thought patterns (such as catastrophizing, black-and-white thinking, or overgeneralizing) that contribute to feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

    • The therapist works with the individual to challenge these thoughts and replace them with more realistic, balanced, and helpful thoughts. For example, instead of thinking, "I always fail," the person might learn to reframe it as, "I may have failed in this situation, but I can learn from it and try again."

  2. Behavioral Activation:

    • Depression often leads to a lack of motivation and withdrawal from activities that once brought joy or purpose. Behavioral activation helps individuals identify and gradually re-engage in rewarding or pleasurable activities, even if they don't feel like it at first.

    • The goal is to break the cycle of inactivity and isolation, which can perpetuate feelings of depression.

  3. Problem-Solving Skills:

    • CBT helps individuals develop better coping strategies for managing everyday problems. The idea is to approach problems in a more structured and manageable way rather than feeling overwhelmed.

    • The therapist helps the individual develop solutions, which can reduce feelings of helplessness and increase confidence in handling challenges.

  4. Activity Scheduling:

    • The therapist may encourage the individual to create a schedule or routine of daily activities, including enjoyable or meaningful tasks, to reduce feelings of inertia or hopelessness.

    • Structuring one’s day in a positive and purposeful way can improve mood and reduce the tendency to ruminate.

  5. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:

    • Some forms of CBT also incorporate mindfulness strategies, which focus on being present in the moment and accepting thoughts without judgment. This can help individuals avoid being overwhelmed by negative thoughts.

    • Relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, can also be taught to manage physical symptoms of depression, like tension or sleep disturbances.

 

How CBT Helps with Depression:

  • Challenge Negative Thinking: People with depression often have a distorted view of themselves, their lives, and their future. CBT helps challenge these negative beliefs and replace them with more realistic, optimistic thoughts.

  • Reduce Rumination: CBT helps individuals reduce overthinking and rumination, which are common in depression. It encourages focusing on the present and taking actionable steps to improve one's situation.

  • Improve Self-Esteem: By recognizing and addressing negative thought patterns, CBT can help improve self-esteem and promote a more positive self-image.

  • Enhance Coping Skills: CBT teaches practical skills for coping with stress, making it easier to navigate difficult emotions and situations without falling into a depressive state.

In sum, CBT helps individuals with depression understand the link between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and provides them with tools to break the cycle of negativity and improve their mood. It has been shown to be effective both in the short term and as a way to prevent relapse.

 The therapists at Soultality Center for Psychotherapy in Cambridge, MA, are with you every step of the way to help you conquer your depression through our CBT treatment.