DOES THERAPY/COUNSELLING REALLY WORK?
It's better to have a understanding of counselling and the potential benefits it can bring to those suffering from depression. So, if you or someone you know is struggling with depression, keep reading to learn how counselling can help.
WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
Depression is a mental illness characterized by persistent sadness and apathy. It can lead to physical problems as well as thoughts of suicide. Depression is also associated with a variety of other emotional and physical symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, changes in sleeping patterns, loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable, difficulty concentrating on tasks, and weight gain or loss.
The cause of depression is not completely understood but it's likely caused by a combination of genetic factors and life events. Some people are more sensitive to these factors than others.
Depression affects people from all backgrounds and ethnicities. It can happen at any age but generally starts between the ages of 20-30 years old.
INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELLING
Counselling is a form of therapy where a professional counsellor works with an individual or group to identify and manage various emotions, behaviours and relationships. Counselling is a way of talking about personal issues and concerns, as well as psychological and interpersonal problems, in order to gain insight and develop new self-understanding and skills.
BENEFITS OF COUNSELLING FOR DEPRESSION
- Reaching Out with Professional Help: Talking to a Counsellor or Psychologist
- Exploring Personal Issues: Understanding the Causes of Depression
- Identifying Coping Strategies: Building New Knowledge and Skills to Address Depression
- Managing Emotions: Learning to Identify and Control Negative Feelings
- Processing Trauma: Coming to Terms with Past Experiences and Moving Forward
- Challenging Negative Thinking: Replacing Negative Beliefs with Positive Ones
DIFFERENT TYPES OF COUNSELLING & THERAPIES FOR DEPRESSION
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is an evidence-based therapy for treating depression that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns. This approach helps to identify unhelpful beliefs and thought patterns, and to replace them with healthier ones. CBT also helps to develop better problem-solving skills. It also involves setting goals and working towards achieving them.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT is a psychological treatment that focuses on communication and relationships. It is used to treat a variety of mental health issues including depression. IPT helps individuals to better understand and manage the interpersonal relationships in their lives. This can involve discussing how one’s relationships with family, friends, and co-workers may be impacting their mental health. It teaches problem-solving strategies and encourages individuals to develop and maintain healthy relationships.
- Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy is the oldest and most established form of psychotherapy, which uses the exploration of the unconscious in order to understand and resolve psychological issues. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are all connected and can’t be accurately understood without looking at the underlying unconscious motivations. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on identifying and exploring patterns in relationships and in the ways we perceive and react to our environment. It also helps to build insight into the origins of the issues being faced and to help the individual gain a better understanding of themselves.
In conclusion, counselling can be a beneficial form of treatment for depression. It can provide support and guidance from a trained therapist who can help you manage your symptoms and understand your condition better. Although results may vary, counselling can help you to gain a better understanding of yourself and develop healthy coping skills. With the right support, counselling can be an effective tool in managing depression and other mental health concerns.
