Dealing with depression is like fighting a war against an unseen enemy and one of the most important things you need are your comrades at arms. Depression group therapy gives you the support group you need to win your battle against depression. When you are depressed you may feel isolated, as though no one else feels like you do or understands what you are going through. Depression group therapy lets you know that you are not alone and that there are other people who suffer from the same problems who can help you get through it. Depression group therapy can help you find new ways to deal with your depression, give you a group of people to associate with (because depression may have cost you’re your previous social group) and a form of therapy unmatched by drugs.
Types of Depression Group Therapy
There are many different types of depression group therapy available. You can find groups that have a specific type of depression they deal with (like bipolar or seasonal depression), groups that are gender or age specific but are not defined by the type of depression, some that deal with depression in conjunction with other problems (like child abuse or substance abuse), groups that are religiously based are also helpful because they offer spiritual solutions as well as the group therapy. You can try out various groups until you find one where you feel you fit in or that offers you the type of therapy you are looking for.
Offerings of Depression Group Therapy
Depression group therapy offers you the benefits of bonding between members of the group which creates a good support system and it is always led by a mental health care professional. People who are slow to open up may find that they feel comfortable among people who share a similar illness and it can help improve the progress of their other treatments. Most people who take on group therapy also have individual or family based therapy in addition to any drug treatment that may be necessary. Many mental health care professionals recommend depression group therapy in conjunction with individual therapy because it helps the depressed person adjust to dealing with other people and breaks the isolation for depression. This type of therapy works for people with various levels of depression, from mild to severe. The therapy may use any of a number of therapy types which include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – focusing on the thoughts and behaviors that lead to depression and ways to change those thought and behavior patterns.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) – focusing on other peoples’ roles in your depression. Your interactions with people in your life may affect the way you feel and your interpretation of those interactions can lead to depressive states.
Psychodynamic Therapy (PDT) – focusing on trauma in your early life that may have led to the depression. This is an older form of depression talk therapy.
Duration
Many depression group therapy terms are long term arrangements that have no specific end. You can take the therapy for a short term and leave when you feel you no longer need therapy or your therapist states that you appear to no longer need it. You may choose to continue therapy long term when your individual session have ended to keep up some form of therapy to prevent relapses or just to retain contact with your group. It is best to keep up therapy for at least a few months after your depression has lifted which also decreases the risk of relapse, maybe just at less frequent intervals.
