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How CBT Can Help with Depression

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10% of Americans report symptoms that are in keeping with diagnosis requirements for clinical depression. Depression in individuals struggling with substance abuse is even more prevalent. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a proven, effective way to treat depression with or without chemical dependency issues. At Destinations for Teens, we offer numerous therapeutic services and teen treatment programs. Our programs work to improve mental health as well as help teens overcome their physical addiction.

Defining Depression

Everyone feels sad now and again, but extended periods of sadness is one of the symptoms of clinical depression. Other symptoms of clinical depression include:

  • Angry outbursts
  • Constant frustration and/or irritability
  • Feelings of emptiness
  • Anxiety
  • Lack of energy
  • Trouble concentrating and/or remembering things
  • Unexplained headaches or back pain

Clinical depression may be accompanied by thoughts of suicide, which is always a sign that professional intervention is essential. If you and your loved one has shown symptoms of clinical depression, it may be time to reach out for help. At Destinations for Teens, we offer several mental health treatment programs for teens, including a depression treatment program.

CBT and Depression

A number of professional treatment methods exist for chronic depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a form of evidence-based treatment. Evidence-based treatments are treatment methods proven to be effective based on scientific evidence. Studies have been conducted and extensive research has been documented that prove these methods are successful. CBT is a popular method because it addresses a range of issues, does not always involve medication, and has been effective in treating a variety of depression issues. In a study of veterans with depression, CBT was found to provide improvement in depressive symptoms by around 40% in patients of all ages. CBT roots itself on the belief that a person’s emotional state and mood is related heavily to their thought pattern. On the surface, it’s a reasonable assumption. When individuals have a negative self-image or persistent negative sense of self, then their actions will reflect this. Some individuals are so set in their negative or bad habits that their beliefs have a sort of self-fulfilling outcome. Fortunately, this kind of talk therapy works through an individual’s core negative thoughts and conceptions. This gives individuals a better chance of making more positive decisions in the future. Thus, there can be more positive outcomes to their actions. A major goal of CBT is to help individuals identify negative thought patterns and institute coping mechanisms to replace unnecessary negativity with healthier thought processes. Instead of treating the symptoms of depression, CBT seeks to eliminate or reduce the root cause of a depressive state.

Assuming the Worst

Someone giving into a depressive state may make unfounded decisions based on emotions or always assume the worst will happen. They may dwell on the negative, exaggerate poor circumstances, and refuse to acknowledge the positive in any situation. All of this leads to a cycle of continuing depression. During CBT, therapists work with patients, providing education on how to identify these poor coping skills or thought processes and expel them in favor of more positive actions and thoughts.

Find Effective CBT Treatment at Destinations for Teens

CBT has been shown to be as, if not more, effective than many other treatment methods for depression. As such, it has become a common part of our inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. At Destinations for Teens, we utilize a variety of therapeutic services to help your teen find recovery. Some of the therapy options we offer include:

As society becomes more comfortable discussing mental health issues, depression is coming to light in more cases. For those struggling with depression, CBT offers an effective and safe way to seek a healthier life. Working with a professional to identify negative thinking patterns and institute strong coping skills can help you or your loved one make a positive change in their life. To learn more about our adolescent treatment centers and how CBT can help your teen find recovery, contact Destinations for Teens today at 877.466.0620.   Citations http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131111091731.htm