Overcoming Depression: How Therapy Helped Me

Depression is a serious mental health disorder that can affect anyone, regardless of race, gender, or age. It's more than just feeling sad or down for a few days, and can make everyday activities feel like a struggle.

I struggled with depression for a long time, and I was tired of feeling the way it made me feel. I knew I needed therapy, but I had a lot of questions going on in my mind. What to expect from therapy? What will happen during my sessions?

In this article, I will discuss my experience with depression and how therapy helped me manage my symptoms. 

Also read: How Do I Talk To Someone About My Depression Or Anxiety?

My Signs and Symptoms of Depression

My depression was more than just feeling sad or down for a few days—it made everyday activities feel like a struggle. I would have a difficult time getting through the day, and I was unable to do even the things that I loved doing, like reading or riding my bike. 

The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but when I researched a little, I found a few common ones:

• Feelings of emptiness

• Hopelessness, and worthlessness

• Persistent fatigue or low energy

• Problems with concentration and focus

• Changes in appetite (either overeating or not eating enough)

• Insomnia or excessive sleeping

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

If you think you may be suffering from depression, it's important to seek help from a professional. Depression is a highly treatable condition, but it's important to get started on the path to recovery as soon as possible.

What Are the Different Types of Therapy for Depression?

There are a few different types of therapy that are used to treat depression because one approach might not work for all of us. You and your therapist will work together to decide which type of therapy is right for you. The most common is Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy or CBT. CBT is a type of therapy that helped me learn how to change the negative thoughts and behaviours that contributed to my depression. It can be an effective treatment for depression, and it has been shown to help people who have had depression for many years. Other commonly used forms of therapy include:

• Interpersonal therapy: This type of therapy focuses on your relationships and how they may be affecting your depression. IPT aims to change relationship patterns rather than the depressive symptoms themselves, as well as target relationship difficulties that aggravate your primary depressive symptoms.

• Psychodynamic therapy: This type of therapy explores the ways that your past experiences may be affecting your current depression. The idea is that this will improve your ability to make choices, relate to others and lead a happier life.

• Family therapy: This type of therapy can help you and your family members understand and support each other as you deal with depression.

• Group therapy: This type of therapy can provide support and encouragement from others who are dealing with depression, under the moderation of trained and qualified therapists.

No matter what type of therapy you choose, the most important thing is to find a therapist you trust and feel comfortable with. I went with a cognitive behavioural therapist because that’s the approach that felt right for me. It might not be the case for you, and that is completely okay. It is important to choose an approach that you’re comfortable with.

Also read: How Technology is Changing Mental Health: The Latest Treatments for Depression, 2022 

What Happened in My Sessions?

Generally, my sessions lasted around 50 minutes, and I met my therapist once a week. During the sessions, my therapist asked me about my symptoms and how they affected my day-to-day life. They also enquired about my family history and any other mental health issues I was dealing with at the time. 

There were times when I did not know what to say, and there were times when I was embarrassed or hesitant. It took some time for me to reach a space where I was fully honest with my therapist. In times when I was struggling to speak, or when I had no answers, my therapist guided the conversation. 

After each session, my therapist gave me some homework. These were simple things, like reading a book or articles about depression, journaling, or practising relaxation techniques. My therapist also offered feedback and strategies to help me overcome my symptoms which ultimately led to managing my depression more effectively. 

If your depression is very severe, your therapist might also refer you to a psychiatrist for medication. However, if you’re not comfortable with medication, you can tell your therapist or psychiatrist that and they will suggest alternatives for you. 

Also read: Depression Medication: How it Works and the Common Side Effects

How long will I need to be in therapy for depression?

It's tough to say how long someone will need to be in therapy for depression. It varies from person to person. Some people might start to feel better after a few sessions, while others might need more time. It took me some time to start experiencing the benefits of therapy. I am currently still in therapy. I am working on it, and I know that I will reach a space where I will be managing my symptoms on my own. 

Therapy is a long-term commitment, and it's important to be patient and work closely with your therapist to get the most out of treatment. If you're willing to put in the work, therapy can be an incredibly effective tool in overcoming depression.