Antidepressants can play an important role in managing the symptoms of depression, but they don’t necessarily solve the underlying problem. If something’s gone wrong in your thought processes, you may need therapy to figure it out.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common kinds. It’s a form of psychotherapy that’s often called a talking therapy because so much of it is based on you talking to your therapist. It involves identifying harmful thought patterns, then finding ways to modify them. The cognitive part is about how you think and feel, the behavioral part is what you do, but both may need to be adapted to break out of the cycles of negativity associated with depression.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is based less on your current thought patterns and instead takes the attitude that depression is often caused by childhood experiences and traumas that continue to have an impact into adulthood. This therapy generally takes longer than CBT as you try to work out what happened in your past and how to link it to your present, but it can lead to increased self-awareness and a better understanding of your emotions – even the darker ones.
Interpersonal therapy is not just about you, but about your interactions with others. A lack of social support or experiencing conflict with others can be a contributing factor in depression. Here you have an opportunity to study your relationships with various people, including your friends and family, identify any problems, then find positive solutions that strengthen bonds and understanding while reducing tensions.
Therapy can be something that happens individually, in pairs or in a group. There are therapy sessions specifically designed for couples or families. Different therapists have different specialties, and you are going to need to find one whose techniques work for you. Just being able to feel comfortable with your therapist is a vital part of getting the most out of your sessions.
The other thing that is essential to getting the most out of your therapy, whatever kind you choose, is being an active participant. You have to want to do it and be willing to put in the work. A therapist is just a guide. Do it right, and you’ll find you’re better able to cope even if you’re not going to therapy regularly. You’ll have the tools to manage your own brain.
