The Behavioral Treatment For Depression

Victims of depression experience very little pleasure. They often do very few things. This, in turn, fosters their sense of isolation, hopelessness, and depression. The result is that they are unwilling to venture out of their shell. 

The behavioral treatment for depression aims at reversing this vicious cycle caused by loss of pleasure and inactivity. It does so by encouraging the patient to take part in pleasurable activities. It is often hard to get the victims to start on these activities. They are often convinced that it won't do any good and that they are wasting their time. Once they get started, however, they will be surprised to learn that it is possible to feel some pleasure.

As you embark into psychotherapy, don't expect anything miraculous to happen in the beginning. This will take time. Take small steps such as eating some ice cream, watching a favorite television show, taking a bath, or sitting in the sun, etc. If you enjoy it, spend more time doing it. Once you recognize that doing pleasurable things is still rewarding, you will participate in more activity. This will lead to a greater sense of control, hopefulness for recovery, and ultimately an improvement in mood.

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