What are the psychological treatments for depression?

Nowadays, many people often develop a depressed mentality, which is not good for everyone because it may cause adverse changes in our body and condition. Depression can cause many people to feel low in spirits, and they may even become silent. There may also be greater dangers, so everyone should be vigilant.

(1) Depression: The main symptom. Initially, it may manifest itself in a short period of time as a decrease in the ability to experience various emotions, listlessness, and lack of interest in everything. The patient feels that "faults" and "unpleasant things" in front of him have flooded into his mind and lingered. Looking into the future, he feels dim and bleak, and the joy has completely disappeared, and he gradually develops a world-weary mentality. Heavy emotional depression always brings self-blame and self-guilt. The patient feels that he has lost his ability to work and has become a waste or a social parasite. Some exaggerate the general shortcomings and mistakes of the past into unforgivable sins and repeatedly ask for treatment. The patient may refuse to eat or only eat white rice because of the delusion of guilt. When the mood is extremely low, he may commit suicide or punish himself.

(2) Slow thought association: Slow speech, low voice, small amount of words, slow responses, and every word and action requires overcoming great resistance. In the most serious cases, the patient may suffer from stupor. Patients with agitated depression have significantly increased speech and movements, and are anxious, fearful, agitated and self-harming, which is very dangerous.

(3) Movements, especially gestures, are reduced and movements become slow: A few people with severe depression may become silent and bedridden, a state called depressive stupor. Suicidal attempts and behaviors are the most dangerous symptoms in patients with depression. It can occur when symptoms are severe, or it can occur in the early stages or when symptoms are improving. Patients often make careful plans in advance and act covertly to avoid the attention of medical staff, so suicide is often successful.

(4) Physical symptoms: The patient looks haggard and old, has slow eyesight, poor appetite, weakened physical condition, decreased sweat and saliva secretion, constipation, and decreased libido. Female patients often suffer from amenorrhea. Early awakening is the most prominent sleep disorder, which is also one of the characteristic symptoms of depression. Patients often wake up 2-3 hours earlier than before, cannot fall asleep again after waking up, and wait for this day to come with pessimism. This symptom is of great significance in diagnosis.