15/05/2026
In depression, individuals often fall into a "negative spiral." CBT aims to break this cycle by addressing two main areas:
Cognitive Aspect: Identifying and challenging cognitive distortions—irrational or biased thought patterns like "all-or-nothing thinking" or "catastrophizing."
Behavioral Aspect: Counteracting the tendency to withdraw through behavioral activation, which involves gradually reintroducing activities that provide a sense of pleasure or accomplishment.
Key Techniques
Thought Recording: Keeping a journal to "catch" negative thoughts, examine the evidence for and against them, and develop more balanced perspectives.
Behavioral Activation: Creating a structured schedule to increase engagement with the world, regardless of the current "mood."
Problem Solving: Breaking down overwhelming life challenges into small, manageable steps to reduce feelings of helplessness.