Depression is one of the most common reasons that people to seek Psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy has been found to be an effective form of treatment for Depression, in fact it appears to be as effective as anti-depressant medications.

Symptoms of Depression

* Sadness or 'empty' feelings
* Anxiety
* Decreased energy, fatigue, being 'slowed down'
* Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed, hobbies, sex and intimacy etc...
* Insomnia, oversleeping, or waking much earlier than usual
* Loss of weight or appetite, or overeating and weight gain
* Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
* Feelings of helplessness, guilt, and worthlessness
* Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
* Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering
* Restlessness, irritability or excessive crying
* Chronic aches and pains or physical problems that do not respond to treatment

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

An effective Psychotherapeutic approach commonly used to combat Depression is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (also referred to a CBT). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a combination of two kinds of therapy: Cognitive and Behavioural.

Cognitive Therapy focuses on thoughts, assumptions and beliefs. Clients can learn to recognize unhelpful beliefs and patterns of thinking. Cognitive Therapy is not about "positive thinking" in the sense that you must always be geared towards thinking happy thoughts. It is a way to gain control over racing, repetitive thoughts which often feed or trigger anxiety.

With the use of Behavioural Therapy, clients can learn how to change their behaviour. There are some common Behavioural techniques that are used in the treatment of Anxiety disorders, such as desensitisation, relaxation and breathing exercises. They all form part of Behavioural Therapy.

Cognitive Therapy and Behavioural Therapy are often are used together because they are beneficial to each other. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy focuses on the clinical observation that the depressed mood often results from negative patterns of thinking and behaviour. For example, depressed people may often have thoughts like:

* 'I am a failure'
* 'I can't do anything right'
* 'I will never accomplish my goal,'
* 'No one cares about me'
* 'This situation will never end'
* 'Things will never be right for me'

These thoughts can feel powerful and compelling, but usually do not tell a balanced, reasonable story. In Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, client and Therapist work together to determine what types of negative thinking are problematic for the depressed client. Also the types of coping or balanced thoughts can that be used to provide a better perspective, to lift the client's mood and help him or her function better. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy also focuses on helping the depressed client increase his or her activity level and develop more gratifying activities.

In therapy sessions, the Therapist takes an active approach to teaching here-and-now coping strategies to help clients understand and change cognitions and behaviours that contribute to depressed mood. This is an active, problem-solving therapy. Practicing new skills outside of sessions is a central part of treatment. A key goal of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is to provide you with tools that you can use to work on your depressive symptoms and to prevent future episodes. Treatment can take place as individuals, couples or groups.

No one is predestined to develop Clinical Depression. However, it can be very important to be aware of risk factors so that those of us who may be vulnerable can educate ourselves, be attentive to warning signs and take steps towards recognising and preventing depression.

If you are depressed or manic, you may not experience all of the following symptoms. Some people will have many symptoms; others will have just a few. The severity of the symptoms may also be different for each person and even vary over time. If you are experiencing some of these symptoms or if you have questions about whether you may be Depressed or Manic, you should consult a Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Mental health professional or your Doctor.

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