Depression is like a heavy, dark cloud that follows you wherever you go, casting a shadow over every aspect of your life. Just as a cloud can obscure the sun and make the world feel gloomy and grey, depression can obscure your thoughts and emotions, making it difficult to find joy or meaning in anything. No matter how hard you try to shake it off, the cloud lingers and it can feel like there is no escape from the storm raging inside.
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), depression affects around 1 in 6 people in the UK at some point in their lives. In 2021, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) conducted a survey on the prevalence of depression in the UK during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The survey found that the percentage of adults reporting some form of depression had almost doubled from 9.7% in 2019 to 19.2% in early 2021.
The ONS survey also found that depression was more common among young adults (aged 16 to 39) than older adults (aged 40 and over). Women were more likely than men to report experiencing some form of depression. The survey also found that people who reported a disability were more likely to experience depression than those without a disability.
Regarding treatment, the ONS survey found that almost half (48.9%) of adults who experienced some form of depression had not sought professional help or support. The most commonly reported reasons for not seeking help included feeling that their symptoms were not severe enough, not knowing where to seek help, and feeling embarrassed or ashamed.
Depression is a medical condition, not a sign of weakness or personal failure. Some of the symptoms of depression can include:
Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless: Depression can make it difficult to find joy in things that used to bring pleasure and leave you feeling like there's no hope for the future.
Losing interest in activities: Hobbies, work, and socializing can all lose their appeal when you struggle with depression. Even things that were once enjoyable may now seem like a chore.
Changes in appetite and weight: Depression can cause you to either lose your appetite or overeat, leading to changes in weight.
Difficulty sleeping: Depression can make it hard to fall or stay asleep, leaving you tired and irritable during the day.
Fatigue: Even if you're getting enough sleep, depression can leave you constantly feeling tired and lacking in energy.
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: Depression can make you feel like you're not good enough or that everything is your fault.
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions: Depression can make it hard to focus or make even simple decisions.
Thoughts of suicide: In severe cases, depression can lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harm. It's essential to seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing these thoughts.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that has been found to be highly effective in treating depression. A meta-analysis of 269 studies found that CBT was significantly more effective than no treatment, placebo and other psychotherapeutic approaches for treating depression. (Cuijpers et al., 2013).
CBT is a goal-oriented, structured approach to identifying and changing negative thinking patterns and behaviour contributing to depression. There are several reasons why CBT is so effective in treating depression.
First, CBT is based on the premise that thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected. Negative thoughts and beliefs can lead to negative emotions and behaviours, contributing to depression. By identifying and changing negative thinking patterns, CBT can help individuals break the cycle of depression.
Second, CBT is a highly structured and goal-oriented therapy. This means that individuals who undergo CBT clearly know what they want to achieve and what steps they need to take to reach their goals. This structure can be beneficial for individuals who feel overwhelmed by their depression and struggle to see a way out.
Third, CBT is a collaborative therapy. The therapist and the individual work together to identify negative thinking patterns and behaviours and develop strategies to change them. This collaborative approach can empower individuals who feel helpless and alone in their depression.
Fourth, CBT is a relatively short-term therapy. While the number of sessions required varies depending on the individual and the severity of their depression, CBT is typically a more time-limited approach than other types of therapy. This means individuals can start seeing improvements in their symptoms relatively quickly.
Finally, CBT is an evidence-based therapy. This means that numerous studies have been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of CBT in treating depression. The evidence suggests that CBT is just as effective as medication for mild to moderate depression and can be more effective than medication in preventing relapse.
Remember, there is help available for depression, and it's essential to seek out support from loved ones or a mental health professional if you or someone you know is struggling.
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