Depression can feel like an engulfing fog, but there’s hope in psychotherapy—also called talk therapy.
Therapy can also be supplemented with medication to treat the issue and teach you ways to be happier.
Below, we’ll discuss if therapy is effective and its different types for treating depression.
You can heal and recover with time, support, and a little perseverance.
Table of Contents
Is Therapy Effective When It Comes to Treating Depression?
The effectiveness of therapy in treating depression is proven.
Many studies confirm its power to bring about positive change.
The ability of your therapist to personally communicate with you is important, so don’t hesitate to find the right one.
Having the courage to express what you really want matters a lot.
Commitment, consistent exposure, and active participation in treatment all play important roles in success.
Be open, share your experiences, and be patient—progress can come slowly.
Types of Therapy
Let’s explore the therapies that can help with depression, despite its severity, be it clinical, mild, moderate, severe, or depressive. Some of these can be helpful.
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is among the most prevalent treatments for depression.
It helps identify and change negative thoughts responsible for depression.
It can teach ways to replace self-destructive thoughts with more positive and realistic ones.
CBT also includes practices for you such as journaling, meditation, exercise, eating healthy, and sleeping well.
Research shows that CBT effectively treats depression, with results comparable to antidepressants.
2. Interpersonal Therapy
Interpersonal therapy, or IPT, helps improve your relationships and how well you interact with people.
For those who believe their depression is related to personal relationships—IPT can be effective.
3. Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, was developed to treat borderline personality disorder but has since been used to treat depression.
In it, you learn cognitive strategies that help you deal with intense emotions.
4. Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy examines how your past experiences and relationships shape your present thoughts and behaviors.
It allows us to reach deep into the unconscious mind to bring hidden conflicts and emotions to the surface and better understand and heal them.
How Does Therapy Help Treat Depression?
Here’s how therapy can be effective in the treatment of depression.
1. It provides a space where a person can feel safe.
Therapy creates a private, accepting environment where people can freely express their thoughts and feelings without holding back. This safe space can be important for openness to the struggles of depression.
2. It helps you learn ways to cope.
Therapists teach practical strategies for coping with depressive symptoms. These methods can help people get control over their lives.
3. It helps you to see the real problem.
Therapists work to pinpoint the root causes of depression, whether triggered by previous experiences, unresolved trauma, or any ongoing issues. By addressing these root causes, therapy can help people heal.
4. It encourages healthy relationships.
For those whose depression stems from relationship issues, therapy can strengthen communication and help form healthy and supportive relationships with others.
5. Medication management.
Therapists can collaborate with psychiatrists to manage medication if it is part of a treatment plan. Supplementing therapy with medication is helpful for people with severe depression.
6. Custom treatment.
Therapists can customize treatment plans for each patient—this makes it more likely to be successful.
Finding the Right Therapist for Depression
- Start by making sure your doctor is qualified and licensed.
- Your doctor should be someone you feel safe and comfortable with.
- Make sure the therapist’s approach matches what you are looking for in treatment.
- Get advice from friends or family / trusted online sources.
Get Online Therapy for Depression with Healizm
Healizm offers mental health services through telehealth appointments—so if you can’t meet with a therapist in person, it’s easy for you to find treatment for depression online.
Contact a therapist from your location via video calls and phone conferences.
When you book a session with Healizm, you will find it a therapeutic and worthwhile experience—reach out today.
FAQs
I don’t have depression, but I’m not happy either; why?
You can try to find the cause of your pain, and therapy can help you find answers.
Is there a way to achieve a realistic recovery from depression?
Yes, relief is possible. Therapy, support, and self-care are essential resources.
How can I combat sadness and improve my attitude naturally?
The natural way to do this is through mindfulness and meditation. They can help shift your mindset towards a more positive one.
What if I’m afraid of losing my battle with depression?
It is important to reach out to mental health professionals during dark times. There is hope.
What to do when antidepressants don’t work for me?
Discuss other treatment options with your healthcare provider or doctor if medications don’t work well. You can learn about this more in one of our depression blogs.
What to do on a bad depression day to feel better?
On hard days, be kind to yourself. Do self-soothing activities that can help you relax and feel calm.
- Take a warm bath.
- Make a delicious, hearty meal for yourself.
- Take a walk in the nature.
- Spend time with a close friend.
- Journal your thoughts.
- Declutter your space.
- Meditate.
- Listen to some soothing music.
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