Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression, is a human psychiatric disorder and a mood disorder, characterized by more or less repeated episodes of depressed mood, together with proven evidence of low self-esteem and anhedonia, or the loss of any interest and pleasure in the activities previously considered under positive light. In reality what is commonly known as “depression” encompasses a much more complex group of syndromes. The official definition was described and classified in 1980 by the experts who drafted the diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association.
The Disorder
The disorder involves many areas such as the emotional sphere, family life, work, study, eating habits, rest, health and, more generally, lifestyle. At present, the cognitive-behavioral therapeutic approach, known as TCC, is particularly effective in treating depression. The purpose of therapy is to teach patients how to move away from negative thoughts and self-injurious practices and how to change harmful behaviors. In case of the private anxiety counselling this is the best option that you can have.
Several scientific studies have established that TCC is a therapy capable of stimulating rational thinking, decreasing the sense of hopelessness, preventing possible relapses and significantly reducing negative thoughts and other cognitive distortions. The goal of the TCC is the resolution of the problems reported by the patient and the construction of a strong relationship of trust with the therapist. The treatment is essentially divided into three phases: the evaluation phase of the agreement, the search for the origin of the problem and the teaching of strategies to neutralize the automatic maladjustment.
It is advisable to analyze how you feel about each of the things you do with the goal of knowing which activities are best for you.
If one day you decide to go shopping and take a walk, and you will notice that going to buy was not particularly good but going for a walk made you feel better, you will have an activity that you will have to do more often to improve your mood.
Do a little exercise
- Exercise and physical activity are inherently therapeutic for depressive states.
- Whatever the type of physical activity being performed, the simple fact of doing it seems good and increases the mood.
- So, whenever you can try to do some exercise, however small, it will do you good.
- Here you can learn about other sporting benefits.
Find a moment for yourself
Despite the fact that more activities are performed better, when you are depressed you must also look for moments of calm and tranquility.
Depression is often accompanied by symptoms of anxiety, since the person may be nervous due to his or her depressive state or the inability to function as before.Thus, although it is essential to maintain a minimum level of activity to combat the depressive state, it is often useful for the person to find situations to be with himself.
Moments of reflection and calm in a pool, in the sauna, sitting on the terrace of your home or lying on the sofa can help you reduce your anxiety level and increase your optimism.
Seek professional help
- Finally, it should be noted that not all depressions can overcome them alone.
- Often, severe depressive states may appear in which pharmacological or psychotherapeutic treatment is required.
- In fact, if a person suffers from what is known as “endogenous depression” he must perform a drug treatment to overcome it and, usually, the other techniques may not be effective.
- In any case, as soon as a depressive state is serious, the person should not doubt or fear to put themselves in the hands of professionals, who will guide and facilitate the recovery.