What Therapy is Best for Depression?
There are certain therapies that are commonly used to treat depression, and given their success, it’s easy to see why. Read on to find out more about these different forms of therapeutic treatment.
Most of us go through periods where we feel down, unhappy or maybe a little fed up. It’s normal to experience highs and lows – no one is happy all of the time. However, if you’re experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or depression for weeks or months on end, you may be struggling with depression.
Some people don’t consider depression to be a genuine condition – but this isn’t true. Depression is a real condition with real symptoms. It’s not a sign of weakness, nor is it something you can simply “pull yourself out of.”
However, the good news is that by seeking out proper treatment and support, most people who have experienced depression can actually make a full recovery from this condition. There are certain therapies that are commonly used to treat depression, and given their success, it’s easy to see why. Read on to find out more about these different forms of therapeutic treatment.
Common Signs of Depression
Each experience of depression is unique, but here are some key signs to look out for:
- Low self-esteem
- Having no motivation or interest in passions/hobbies
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- Irritability and intolerance
- Difficulty with making decisions
- Loss of libido
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Disturbed sleep
- Speaking or moving more slowly than usual
Commonly Used Therapies for Treating Depression
Here at Westchester Therapy Match, we have compiled a list of the most widely recognized treatments for depression.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a talking therapy that helps an individual to manage their problems by making positive changes to their thought and behavioral patterns. It helps a person to address overwhelming problems by breaking them down into smaller, manageable parts. There have been a number of studies conducted to prove the effectiveness of treating depression disorders with CBT.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a therapeutic treatment based on CBT. It has been adapted for those with more intense depressive emotions. With dialectical behavioral therapy, there is an emphasis on mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and emotional regulation. DBT was originally designed for borderline personality disorder treatment, but it has proven its effectiveness in treating depressive disorders too.
- Psychodynamic Therapy
Emerging in the late 19th century, psychodynamic therapy is used to explore the unresolved conflicts and unconscious thought processes in a person’s mind to increase self-awareness. This added awareness helps a person to understand how their past experiences have shaped their present behaviors, feelings and emotions. This form of therapy was pioneered by Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud.
What is the Right Therapy for Depression?
Depressive disorders can’t be treated with a one-size-fits-all approach. The way in which depression affects people differs significantly, and for each person, their unique needs, circumstances and preferences must be considered before deciding on the best therapeutic treatment.
There isn’t a single ‘right’ solution – it all depends on who you are, and what you need.
Take Our Quiz
At Westchester Therapy Match, we want to make sure that you’re matched with the right therapist for your needs. If you’re wondering “what is the best therapy for depression,” let us help you make the right choice.
We have created a simple quiz that takes less than five minutes to complete. We will use your answers to better understand who you are and what you are looking for so we can match you with a top-ranked depressive disorder therapist in Westchester, NY. Click here to take the quiz.
