Orlando CBT Therapy For Depression

Statistics indicate that one out of eight individuals will experience depression in their lifetime.  Depression can be described as a state of low mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyed.  Brief periods of depression can occur in response to certain life events or depression can become chronic, lasting for long periods of time.  Depression can have negative effects on an individual’s relationships, work or school life, as well as eating and sleeping habits.  Depression can also affect one’s overall well-being by influencing how a person thinks, feels and acts.  A period of depression that has significant symptoms and lasts longer than two weeks is diagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder.  A less severe but more chronic form of depression is known as Dysthymic Disorder with which the symptoms last for a period of two years or more.

GroundWork offers in-person appointments in Central Florida, and virtual sessions for clients residing in: Florida, Maine, Vermont, South Carolina & Montana

About Depression

Depression is a serious mental health disorder that can impact an individual’s day-to-day life. It is important to recognize the symptoms of depression in order to seek proper mental health support. Common symptoms of depression include feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, and hopelessness; difficulty concentrating or making decisions; changes in sleep habits and appetite; fatigue or lack of energy; thoughts of death or suicide, and physical aches or pains. Other signs could include avoiding social activities, isolating yourself from family and friends, neglecting personal hygiene, using substances as a way to cope with stressors or emotions, and having persistent negative thoughts.

Typical Symptoms Include

• Increased sleep
• Withdrawing from activities that were once enjoyed
• Being tearful or constantly crying
• Weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
• Irritability, anger and/or agitation
• Feelings of guilt, hopelessness and worthlessness
• Loss of interests in life
• Trouble concentrating and making decisions

How CBT Can Help Depression

if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help from a mental health provider. With the right resources, you can take steps toward understanding your experience better, make positive changes to manage depression, and improve your overall wellbeing.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that works to change the way we think and act. It focuses on identifying and addressing the negative thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors associated with depression in order to make progress toward feeling better. CBT helps individuals understand the self-defeating thoughts that are contributing to their depression, gain insight into how they can manage symptoms cognitively, and learn new behavioral strategies. Additionally, it encourages participants to practice mindfulness techniques that can help them stay focused on rational thinking while minimizing rumination. With regular practice, individuals may notice an improvement in their moods as well as increased confidence in managing depressive episodes more effectively.

When treating clients with depression at GroundWork, our Orlando depression therapists utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) methods for adults and children.  Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression has been found to be extremely effective.  By first identifying the distorted or irrational negative thinking patterns that cause depression, then questioning the accuracy and truth of these thoughts, the client and therapist can come up with more balanced, rational replacement thoughts.  With practice, Orlando cognitive behavioral therapy teaches individuals who are depressed to learn to manage their depression-related thoughts, moods and behaviors.  Orlando depression counselors also encourage their clients to recognize what they value in life and begin to work toward developing deeper interpersonal relationships and meaningful activities.

By engaging in CBT for depression, individuals can develop healthier coping skills that can help them manage depression in a more effective and adaptive way. It is important to find a qualified mental health professional who can provide the necessary support during this process. With patience, dedication, and practice, CBT can be an effective tool for managing depression.

At GroundWork in Orlando we provide in-person and virtual options for children, teens, and adults struggling with depression. Contact us to learn more about the CBT services we offer and how we can help you start improving today.