Although medication may lift your mood it may not tackle any underlying causes of depression. Psychological interventions and counselling can help you overcome your depression and prevent recurrences.
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Some people respond well to medication but ‘talking therapies’ can also be effective. |
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
This type of therapy challenges negative thought patterns and suggests ways to change your behaviour. It can help you to explore your thoughts and feelings. Changing how you think can change how you feel. Research has shown that CBT is most effective for mild to moderate forms of depression and, when combined with anti-depressant medication, it can also be effective in severe depression. Furthermore, CBT seems to reduce recurrences of depression.
Long-term psychotherapy
Long-term therapy can help people to learn more about themselves, understand past and present relationships, and change patterns of behaviour that may contribute to depression or emotional difficulty. Usually continuing for a number of months, sometimes years, it is often used to deal with psychological difficulties that have been present for a number of years and requires a trusting relationship between the person and the therapist.
Counselling
Counselling is about helping people to help themselves. It provides help and support to people who are worried and anxious. It is about being able to develop a trusting relationship with a counsellor to talk freely about your feelings. It provides insight into what you are feeling, why you feel the way you do and how you can work through your feelings. If you decide that you want to see a counsellor, talk to your GP who can give you details of all the registered counsellors in your area.
Reviewed December 2009
Next review December 2010