What is Depression?
It is human nature to feel sad from time to time in response to life events. However, when the feelings of sadness combined with other symptoms interfere with daily functioning, a depressive disorder may be present. For more information about depressive disorders, see the National Institutes of Mental Health pages on depression.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression:
· Persistent depressed mood or sadness
· Loss of interest or pleasure in activities or hobbies, including sex
· Withdrawal from friends and family
· Decreased energy and tiredness
· Irritability, anger, or restlessness/anxiety
· Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
· Loss of appetite or overeating (significant weight loss or gain)
· Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not respond to medical treatment
· Significant change in sleep patterns (inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get up in the morning)
· Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
· Thoughts of death or suicide*
*If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or thoughts of suicide, go immediately to the nearest hospital emergency room, call 911, or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-784-2433.
CBT for Depression
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy based on the theory that changing our beliefs and actions leads to changes in our emotions. By increasing awareness of the connections between our thoughts, feelings and behaviors, individuals learn how to make changes in how they perceive life events and choose to respond behaviorally, ultimately resulting in an increased sense of self-control and improvement in mood.
It is human nature to feel sad from time to time in response to life events. However, when the feelings of sadness combined with other symptoms interfere with daily functioning, a depressive disorder may be present. For more information about depressive disorders, see the National Institutes of Mental Health pages on depression.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression:
· Persistent depressed mood or sadness
· Loss of interest or pleasure in activities or hobbies, including sex
· Withdrawal from friends and family
· Decreased energy and tiredness
· Irritability, anger, or restlessness/anxiety
· Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
· Loss of appetite or overeating (significant weight loss or gain)
· Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not respond to medical treatment
· Significant change in sleep patterns (inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get up in the morning)
· Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
· Thoughts of death or suicide*
*If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or thoughts of suicide, go immediately to the nearest hospital emergency room, call 911, or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-784-2433.
CBT for Depression
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy based on the theory that changing our beliefs and actions leads to changes in our emotions. By increasing awareness of the connections between our thoughts, feelings and behaviors, individuals learn how to make changes in how they perceive life events and choose to respond behaviorally, ultimately resulting in an increased sense of self-control and improvement in mood.