A Guide For Dealing With Depression

Challenge Negative Thinking

Challenge negative thinking by using that same inner voice to break down and analyze the negative thoughts. Individuals should ask themselves if their negative mindset is reasonable or realistic even. They should try to stick with facts they can prove rather than getting caught up in feelings and emotion that skew reality.

Role-playing can also challenge negative feelings. Individuals can think of how to help a sibling or a friend who has encountered this same negative thought. Alternatively, they can counter negative thoughts with positive ones. In this instance, they are forcing themselves to see the brighter side of things rather than focusing on the negative.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that addresses unwanted behaviors. CBT is often combined with medication and other forms of therapy to address the underlying cause of depression. The main goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is for patients to become self-aware of themselves and their actions. They will learn to recognize when the impulses or emotions they have don't fit the situation.

To lessen these unhealthy impulses, patients will learn to confront them and work directly against them. CBT can be used for a variety of mental health conditions. In addition to helping with depression, it can also help with bipolar disorder, anxiety, and certain personality disorders.