Research shows that people who are suffering depression are prone to negative automatic thoughts, often giving way to low mood, feelings of hopelessness and isolation. A depressed state if poorly managed may lead on to a long term habit of negatively appraising yourself, the world and the future. Reduced activity is common in depression and this behaviour can serve to deny rewarding experiences and so create negative cycle where there will be less potential for positive experiences to present themselves.
CBT can help you better understand your depression problem by identifying all the relevant factors that have led to you feeling and thinking the way you do in the first place. You are then further supported to challenge any unhelpful or distorted thinking patterns for a more rational outlook. Real problems are identified and any problems you want to address are more accurately appraised and better managed or resolved using effective problem solving strategies.
Looking after your own needs first means saying “no” to excessive demands and a healthy assertive style of communication is promoted in therapy where appropriate to help you build more confidence and to help you to better express your own needs and wishes effectively.
