Depression and Mood Disorder

Depression, often dubbed the "common cold" of mental health, affects millions. Our online therapy sessions focus on identifying root causes, stabilizing mood, and offering strategies for long-term emotional balance.

Online Counseling for Depression and Mood Disorder

 

Therapy for Depression and Mood Disturbances

Depression is often called the "common cold" of mental health disorders due to its widespread occurrence. According to a 2023 report by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, about 280 million people worldwide are affected by depression.

However, depression, or major depressive disorder, is just one of many mood disorders. Others include bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, cyclothymia, persistent depressive disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Here are some therapy strategies commonly used for treating mood disorders. 

Therapy for Depression and Depressive Disorders

The way a depressed mind works can often be explained by two psychological concepts: the cognitive triad and learned helplessness theory. The cognitive triad consists of three types of negative thoughts: about oneself (“I’m worthless”), the world (“Everything is against me”), and the future (“Things will never get better”). These persistent negative thoughts can create a downward spiral of hopelessness.

Learned helplessness theory, developed by psychologist Martin Seligman, explains how people with depression often feel powerless to change their circumstances. After repeated experiences of failure or feeling trapped, individuals may believe that nothing they do will make a difference, even if opportunities for positive change arise. This sense of helplessness can worsen depression, making it harder for the person to seek help.

Fortunately, there are several therapeutic approaches that have proven effective in treating depressive disorders. Below are some commonly used depression therapy treatment techniques:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors. In CBT:

• Individuals learn to recognize distorted thinking and replace it with more balanced and realistic thoughts.
• Therapists help clients develop coping skills to manage depressive symptoms.
• The final step is to use these skills for “behavioral activation”. This means encouraging clients to engage in activities they find pleasurable or meaningful, helping to break the cycle of withdrawal and inactivity.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a form of CBT that was initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder but has been adapted for depression, particularly for individuals who struggle with emotional regulation. This includes-

• Mindfulness: Teaching clients to be present and aware of their emotions without judgment.
• Distress tolerance: Helping individuals build resilience in managing distressing emotions or situations without resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
• Interpersonal effectiveness: Improving relationships by teaching assertiveness and clear communication.
• Emotion regulation: Learning to understand, reduce, and manage intense emotions that contribute to depression.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

MBCT combines elements of CBT with mindfulness practices to prevent relapse in individuals who have experienced recurrent episodes of depression. This therapy follows this basic pattern:

• Mindfulness meditation: Teaching clients to observe their thoughts and feelings without becoming overwhelmed by them.
• Relapse prevention: Helping individuals identify early signs of depression and use mindfulness techniques to prevent the return of symptoms.
• Awareness of the present moment: MBCT encourages clients to stay grounded in the present rather than ruminating on past events or worrying about the future, which can be common in depression.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication, which are often impacted by depression. This therapy assumes that relationship problems can contribute to the onset or worsening of depressive symptoms. Here’s what happens in IPT:

• Grief and loss: Therapy often addresses unresolved grief, which can be a significant factor in depression.
• Role transitions: Clients learn to cope with major life changes, such as job loss or the end of a relationship, which may trigger depressive symptoms.

Psychodynamic Therapy

While less structured than therapies like CBT or DBT, psychodynamic therapy explores the unconscious mind and how past experiences, unresolved conflicts, and inner emotional struggles contribute to depression. In this therapy:

• The therapist helps the individual gain insight into patterns of behavior and emotional responses that may be rooted in childhood or past relationships.
• The goal is to increase self-awareness and understand the underlying reasons for depressive thoughts and feelings.

Each of these therapies can be tailored to an individual's specific needs, and many people benefit from a combination of these approaches.

Therapy for Bipolar Disorder, Mania and Cyclothymia

Manic episodes are like the stark opposite of a depressive episode. These episodes are characterized by periods of extremely elevated mood, energy, and activity. During a manic episode, a person may feel euphoric, have racing thoughts, or engage in impulsive, risky behaviors. 

Now in bipolar disorder, as the name suggests, the highs of mania are followed by severe depressive episodes, where the individual experiences overwhelming sadness and fatigue. In bipolar disorder, episodes of mania and depression can switch unpredictably, making life feel like an emotional rollercoaster. 

Cyclothymia, a milder form of bipolar disorder, also involves mood swings, but the highs and lows are less extreme. Despite the milder symptoms, cyclothymia still disrupts daily functioning and can be emotionally exhausting. The constant cycling between moods leaves individuals feeling unstable and drained.

Therapy plays a crucial role in helping people with bipolar disorder, mania, and cyclothymia manage their mood swings, regulate emotions, and improve their quality of life. Here are some effective therapy strategies:

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)

IPSRT is specifically designed for individuals with bipolar disorder and focuses on stabilizing daily routines to manage mood episodes. In this therapy:

• Stabilizing daily rhythms: Clients are encouraged to maintain consistent sleep, eating, and activity schedules, as disruptions in routine can trigger mood episodes.
• Improving interpersonal relationships: This therapy addresses relationship conflicts that may exacerbate mood swings, helping individuals improve their social interactions and communication.
• Managing life stressors: Clients learn to manage stress and prevent it from triggering manic or depressive episodes by adopting healthier coping mechanisms.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is also quite effective for emotional regulation for managing the intense emotional shifts in bipolar disorder. Dialectical Behavior therapy for bipolar disorder: 

• Mindfulness: Teaching individuals to stay present and manage their emotions without acting impulsively during manic or depressive phases.
• Distress tolerance: Helping clients develop strategies to tolerate and cope with the intense emotions that accompany mood episodes.
• Emotion regulation: Assisting clients in understanding, accepting, and managing their emotional responses in a healthier way, reducing the frequency and intensity of mood swings.
• Interpersonal effectiveness: Teaching skills for maintaining healthier relationships, which can be difficult when mood swings cause conflicts or misunderstandings.

Family Therapy

Bipolar disorder affects not only the individual but also their loved ones. Family therapy is a more holistic approach for managing the disorder within the context of family dynamics. Here’s what it may look like: 

• Education about the disorder: Families learn about the nature of bipolar disorder, how it affects behavior, and how to support their loved one during both manic and depressive episodes.
• Communication skills: Families are taught how to communicate more effectively, reduce conflicts, and create a more stable and supportive environment.
• Crisis planning: Families work together to develop plans for managing mood episodes, including recognizing early signs of mania or depression and knowing when to seek professional help.

Each of these therapy strategies including CBT can provide individuals with the tools they need to manage the emotional extremes of bipolar disorder, mania, and cyclothymia.

Final Words

Therapy for mood disorders are often supportive or complementary treatment options to medication. Regardless to say, it can be very challenging to reach a client through talk therapy alone, as their intense mood swings can interfere with emotional control and clear thinking. Mood stabilizers help manage these fluctuations, making therapy more effective. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is online therapy for depression?
   Online therapy for depression connects you with professional therapists to help you manage sadness, hopelessness, or mood changes through video, chat, or phone sessions. It’s convenient and effective for people in India and Australia.
2. How can I find the best online counseling for depression?
   Choose trusted platforms like Therapy-e, which connects you with licensed therapists experienced in treating depression and mood disorders.
3. Is online therapy for depression as effective as in-person therapy?
   Yes, online therapy for depression is as effective as in-person therapy. It uses proven methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you improve your mental health.
4. What types of mood disorders can be treated with online counseling?
   Therapy-e offers help for various mood disorders, including:
   • Depression
   • Bipolar disorder
   • Persistent depressive disorder
5. Can I get therapy for depression in India and Australia?
   Yes, Therapy-e provides online therapy for depression in India and Australia, giving you access to expert therapists wherever you are.
6. What techniques are used in online counseling for mood disorders?
   Online therapists use CBT, talk therapy, and mindfulness techniques to help you manage symptoms of depression and other mood disorders.
7. How does online counseling for bipolar disorder work?
   Online counseling for bipolar disorder helps you understand and manage mood swings, providing strategies to stabilize your emotions with professional guidance.
8. Why should I choose Therapy-e for depression counseling?
   Therapy-e offers certified therapists, flexible scheduling, and evidence-based treatments for depression and mood disorders.
9. Can I book a trial session for online depression therapy?
   Yes, Therapy-e allows trial sessions so you can find a therapist who suits your needs.
10. Are online counseling sessions for Depression secure and private?
    Yes, all Therapy-e sessions are confidential and conducted on secure platforms.