The 6 keys to understanding the psychological treatment of depression

Problems related to depression are part of the most common reasons for consultation that psychologists encounter during day-to-day care of patients.

This type of mood disorder it is one of the most widespread psychopathologies among the population of western countries: It is estimated that between 4 and 7% of the adult population has developed this disorder at some point, and to that we must add the fact that it can also occur among minors.

However, while depression is not exactly a rare phenomenon if we stick to its presence among human beings, the truth is that most people do not know or understand very well the most basic aspects of this disorder, or how it is given treatment. It is common to assume that it is a disease in which it is necessary to intervene through the consumption of pills, psychotropic drugs, but this is not true.

Therefore, here we will see a summary of what the psychological treatment of depression consists of, which is beyond the world of medicine but is also very effective.

• Related article: "The 6 types of mood disorders"

The 6 main characteristics of psychotherapy applied to depression

What is the goal of psychological intervention in depressed patients? What kinds of activities are carried out throughout the therapeutic process? How is the improvement taking place? To answer these and other questions, here we will see what are the fundamental aspects that define the psychological treatment of depression.

1. The goal is not to "block" sadness

The goal that psychologists agree with patients has nothing to do with eliminating sadness, for two reasons.

The first is that it's not even true that all people with depression feel sad, exactly; some describe what they feel in other terms, such as hopelessness, little desire to live, and generally low mood, which is not exactly the same as being sad and has more to do with not finding reasons to feel excited about the experiences that the day brings us. day.

The second is that it is impossible to totally cancel sadness, as well as any other emotion. The solution to the problem that someone with depression goes through is not to eliminate part of her emotional repertoire, but to make this is not unbalanced towards feelings related to lack of motivation, pessimism, melancholy, grief, etc. Rather than subtract sadness and other emotions that are popularly considered "negative", it is intended to facilitate the appearance of those that are not.

2. The process takes months

You probably already suspected it, but the main goal set in the first stage of psychological care for depressed patients is never short-term. It is important that the process will last several months, since otherwise a level of frustration will arise capable of causing treatment to be discontinued, which is totally counterproductive.

Also, it makes sense that it takes several weeks to see the first results; After all, depression is a disorder expressed in almost all areas of the life of the person who affects it. develops, and each of these emotionally painful situations acts as a kind of anchor that makes it difficult feel good.

The key is to gain momentum, so to speak, and letting go of those harmful experiences that keep depression alive. This, which occurs through the cumulative effect of small changes in behavior from day to day, does not happen overnight.

3. Not everything is based on introspection

Many people come to consultation believing that their depression can only be solved through introspection, that is, through mental activity.

The truth is that although psychological processes are very relevant in this sense, we must not forget that what crosses our minds it is totally linked to our way of relating to what is beyond ourselves: our friends, our work, our projects, etc.

These factors are considered of maximum relevance in any therapy process applied to depression. Which brings us to the next point.

4. There are tasks to do between sessions

The psychotherapeutic process continues to occur once the session with the psychologist has ended. Guidelines are always given to follow throughout the day to day, and that have to do with improving self-knowledge and applying strategies that help to let go of the actions that reproduce and reinforce the symptoms of depression without giving us account.

• You may be interested in: "The 8 benefits of going to psychological therapy"

5. It is important not to skip sessions

During therapy, maintaining regular sessions with the psychologist is crucial, and failure to do so can spoil the progress made thus far.

Luckily, today there are possibilities that make it easier to achieve this, since online therapy by video call allows you to have the support of the psychologist even when you are in another country, and we are many mental health professionals who offer this modality of service.

6. Associated psychological problems must also be treated

Depression is a mood disorder that often appears at the same time as other psychopathologies. For example, it is relatively common for people who also have anxiety disorders or addictions to develop it (chemical or non-chemical). In these cases, it does not make sense to treat depression alone, since one psychopathology reinforces the other.

Are you looking for psychotherapeutic support?

In case you seek psychological help to treat low mood problems or directly clinical depression, please contact us. On Cepsim Psychological Center We have more than 20 years of experience in patient care, and we serve both in our consultations located in Madrid, as well as through online therapy. On this page you will find our contact information.

Bibliographic references:

• American Psychiatric Association (2006). American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders: Compendium 2006. American Psychiatric Pub.
• Kessler, R.C., Nelson, C.B., McGonagle, K.A., Liu, J., Swartz, M., Blazer, D.G. (nineteen ninety six). Comorbidity of DSM-III-R major depressive disorder in the general population: results from the US National Comorbidity Survey. The British Journal of Psychiatry. Supplement. 168 (30): 17 - 30.
• McCullough, J.P. (2003). Treatment for Chronic Depression: Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psycotherapy (CBASP). Guilford Press. ISBN 1-57230-965-2.
• Muñoz, R.F.; Beardslee, W.R.; Leykin, Y. (2012). Major depression can be prevented. The American Psychologist. 67 (4): pp. 285 - 295.
• Schmidtke, A., Bille-Brahe, U., DeLeo, D. et al. (1996). Attempted suicide in Europe: Rates, trends and sociodemographic characteristics of suicide attempters during the period 1989-1992. Results of the WHO / EURO Multicenter Study on Parasuicide. Acta Psychiatr Scand, 93: 327-338.