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What is Depression?

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Depression is a mental health condition characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and difficulty managing day-to-day life. It can vary in severity, from mild to severe, and may occur as a single episode or in recurring cycles.

 

Common Symptoms of Depression:

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• Persistent low mood or sadness

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities

• Fatigue or lack of energy

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or oversleeping)

• Appetite changes (eating too much or too little)

• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness

• Physical symptoms like aches or pain with no clear cause

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide (seek immediate help if this occurs

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Depression in the UK: You are not alone

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If you’re struggling with feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Many people in the UK experience depression — it’s more common than you might think, and help is available

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• Around 1 in 6 adults in the UK experience symptoms of depression or anxiety each week.

• During difficult times, these feelings can become even more overwhelming, with nearly 1 in 5 adults reporting depressive symptoms recently.

• You might feel isolated, but others are going through similar challenges, and reaching out for help is a brave and important step.

 

Depression can make the world feel smaller, quieter, and harder to navigate. But with the right support, things can get better.

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How CBT Can Help Treat Depression

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for depression. It focuses on understanding and changing the unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that maintain the cycle of depression.

What to Expect from CBT for Depression:

1. Identifying Negative Thought Patterns:
   Depression often involves automatic negative thoughts like "I'm not good enough" or "Things will never get better." CBT helps you recognize these patterns and challenge them.

2. Reframing Thoughts:
   CBT teaches you how to replace unhelpful thoughts with balanced, constructive ones, reducing feelings of hopelessness.

3. Behavioral Activation:
   Depression can lead to withdrawal and inactivity. CBT encourages small, achievable steps to re-engage with activities you enjoy or value, improving mood and motivation.

4. Developing Coping Strategies:
   Learn practical tools to manage stress, solve problems, and build resilience to prevent relapse.

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