Did you know, depression is the leading cause behind the disability of a great number of people worldwide? Also, anxiety is as common as 1 in 3 individuals. While these figures are worrisome and alarming, they can be treated well using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy aka CBT.
Now, you might wanna know what this CBT is. Well, CBT is one of the finest ways to initiate a wellness program related to not just depression but a variety of disorders. When you seek CBT, you notice that it primarily focuses on identifying negative thought patterns which influence emotions and behaviors to help the depressed soul cope with their deep-rooted issues effectively. So, what are those underlying causes that trigger negative self-talk? Let me delineate some scenarios. For instance, if you are living with a narcissist, facing recurrent bullying, lost a loved one, or faced any other emotional setback that is liable to put you in the self-blame game is included in prompting anxiety and depression. So, your next question could be, how does CBT work to beat depression and anxiety? Well, keep on reading to unfold the information.
HOW CBT CAN HELP OVERCOME DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
So like I said, CBT is a wonderful therapy that utilizes a variety of activities and strategies to heal the disorders like depression and anxiety. Now the question is, how does CBT do it? Well, your therapist will employ some of the best practices that come under the umbrella of CBT, and what are those practices? Let’s take a look at them one by one:
1. THE USE OF ‘TALK THERAPY’
As the name suggests, the therapist tries to talk you into the problems that bug you and your mental peace. In each session, your therapist uses the questioning technique to help you talk freely and eventually identify the central issues. What’s the outcome of this strategy? Well, you eventually learn to take the responsibility for your decisions and consequently get on the path of resolving them too. Isn’t it a win-win?
2. THE INCORPORATION OF ROLE-PLAY
Another fantastic method that is used in CBT is role-playing. Through role-playing, the therapist helps you look at the other side of the picture. He or she ensures that you understand the other person’s viewpoint and do not blame others for showing certain behaviors or actions. As a result, you get rid of the bitterness and reclaim your happy spirit.
3. THE USE OF EXPOSURE THERAPY
Have you ever noticed how someone who suffers from any mental disorder is also prone to some fears? Why does it happen to them? It is because they never got exposed to their fears or never learned to deal with them. So, during the same talk sessions, your therapist helps you talk about your worries and apprehensions fearlessly and when this happens, you become immune to the pain and anxiety associated with your fears. What outcome do you see after this happens? Well yes, the person in therapy beats the anxiety or depression whatever might be haunting them.
4. MIND RELAXATION EXERCISES
Finally, your therapist incorporates some mind relaxation drills to help you regain your calmer self. He or she skillfully guides you towards mental exercises such as meditation, yoga, mental images, and deep belly breathing to calm your senses and make you feel better. Thus, all of these excellent mental exercises aid in the treatment of melancholy, stress, phobias, and even bipolar disorder.
THE BOTTOMLINE
So, what’s the catch? Well, if you or your loved one is undergoing depression or anxiety for some time, do not waste time and seek professional help from a therapist or reach out to me for support and healing. Remember, no one wants to be depressed or anxious so there must be empathy and help for anyone undergoing a rough mental state.