Depression is not just discontent. It is not a weakness of character or a temporary bad mood. If you suffer from depression, you may notice that it is easier to recall negative events and more difficult to bring to mind positive ones. When you are clinically depressed, your thinking process does not work to your advantage. Instead, your view of yourself, others, and the world grows progressively more adverse and you struggle to free yourself from negative thinking, much like someone stuck in quicksand. The more you try to help yourself by reasoning, the deeper into the sand you sink. So how do you get out of the quick sand? You have two choices: remain motionless or find the tools that will help you escape. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach that will provide you the tools to escape the hopeless and helpless states which depression creates.

Clinical depression, also called major depressive disorder, is caused by several factors. These include genetic predisposition, life stress, personality traits and brain chemistry. Some typical symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, changes in appetite, low energy, difficulties with sleep, cognitive difficulties such as concentrating, remembering some things and making decisions and in more severe cases, suicidal thoughts.

Despite some opinions, people cannot “snap out” of the depression, because this illness robs a person of their ability to enjoy life. Psychologists developed treatments that involve teaching clients specific strategies to battle the depressive symptoms. CBT is a short-term, goal oriented therapy treatment that has shown to be highly effective in treating depression. During therapy clients gain awareness of their symptoms and learn various practical techniques. This process allows users to feel empowered and more in control of their lives leading to happier mood, increased pleasure and self-confidence.