Due to the medicalization of emotional conditions, many assume that adult depression is simply caused by a chemical imbalance.  With this notion in mind, many also believe that the only viable treatment method for improving one’s mood is medication.  Depression can be the result of a number of psychological, biological, and social factors, and thus there’s more to recovery than popping a pill or trying to use sheet will power to overcome painful feelings.

In the struggle with adult depression, therapy can help. When we say depression is a medical condition and medications are the answer, we may be bypassing important opportunities to learn about ourselves and grow.

When it comes to adult depression, one key to coping is psychotherapy. In fact, psychotherapy is not only an effective treatment, but it’s also evidence-based.  Let’s take a deeper look at this particular treatment type.

Therapy Has Numerous Advantages

While medication does have its place in the therapeutic space, keep in mind that it’s not your only option.  What exactly are the advantages of therapy over medication?

More Benefits and Fewer Side Effects

Unlike medication, therapy addresses adult depression without producing side effects. Weight gain and decreased libido are a couple of the most frequently reported.

Enables Brain Training

Therapy can help individuals change their brain. This concept of brain training surrounds the idea that you can learn new skills, such as resilience and conflict resolution. With the help of a trained therapist, you can gain more control over your mind. Not only does brain training promote healing, but it’s also unavailable in the form of a pill.

Leads to Self-Discovery

Sometimes, adult depression can tell you more about yourself. Although taxing, the experiencing can help to build internal bridges, allowing you to make sense of it all.  In what specific ways can depression therapy lead to self-discovery?

Emotions are often pushed down, ignored, and bottled up. For some, dealing with feelings is an utter annoyance.  Yet, your emotions can be sending you a clear message, if you are willing to listen. Instead of shutting down or numbing the feelings, your therapist can help you discover what your emotions may be telling you.

Along with helping to translate your emotions, therapy can assist in locating your values. Life situations such as your career and relationships all play a vital role in your emotional well-being. Therapy creates a space for you to examine these elements. For example, you may ask yourself if you are happy or fulfilled with your job or in your relationships. Then, allow room for an honest answer, free from judgment.  Furthermore, therapy helps you to identify what you need to make changes so you don’t get in your own way.

Uncovers Negative Thinking Patterns

Often, self-defeating beliefs and negative thinking habits rotate around adult depression. In a way, these elements feed off of one another.  To disrupt the destructive patterns, therapy offers another perspective. It helps you to uncover the habits and patterns that may be keeping you stuck.  When you can stop your mind and emotions from running away with you, you can reclaim your life.

Take the time to start therapy and have a trained professional help you get in touch with yourself and to hear your own voice. Your psychotherapist will provide you with emotional support and understanding while showing you how to improve your moo.  You deserve to feel better.  Please, learn more about how our experienced clinicians can help you with adult depression.