Clinical depression can affect people of all ages. Many people seek treatment for their depression when they find that their symptoms begin to interfere with their ability to enjoy a normal life. Depression therapy is an effective way to treat this mental illness. In therapy, therapists can help patients address the symptoms and causes of their depression. Here are four tools and techniques that may be used as part of your depression treatment:
Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis is a therapeutic technique used to explore the ways a person's past affects their present mental state. A therapist who specializes in psychoanalysis may ask you questions about your childhood and early life experiences. As you answer their questions truthfully, a skilled therapist will probe deeper to uncover hidden feelings and memories you might have overlooked. Psychoanalysis can give patients with depression unique insight into their own emotions.
Gratitude
People with depression often fixate on the negative things in their lives to an extent that makes it difficult to acknowledge the positive things. A positive attitude won't cure depression, but many people find that acknowledging the good things in life can help train their brains to feel more joy and contentment on a regular basis. Your therapist may suggest that you begin a daily gratitude practice where you will list various things that you feel thankful for each day.
Mindful Meditation
Meditation is a practice that is integrated into many belief systems. However, you don't need to be especially religious or spiritual to take advantage of mindful meditation. People with depression sometimes focus too much on the past or future which can cause major detriment to their current selves. Mindful meditation teaches people to be aware of the current moment by focusing on their breaths and letting thoughts come and go as they will. A solid meditation practice can help patients learn to ameliorate the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Helpful Apps
The modern world is full of technological advancements in almost every area of life. Most people have smartphones that they use to schedule car rides, order food, and learn about the world around them. Helpful smartphone apps can even be used to treat certain symptoms of depression. Your therapist may suggest that you use apps to track your moods, remember to take your antidepressants, and even guide yourself through meditation sessions. Mental wellness applications can help patients stay healthy in between their regularly scheduled therapy appointments.
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