Putting the Behavior in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Since the inception of cognitive behavioral therapy, psychologists have known that your behavior is vital in treating depression successfully. And, if you've ever been depressed, you know that a hallmark symptom of depression is having no motivation or desire to do anything--even things you previously enjoyed. You just can't imagine feeling any sense of satisfaction or enjoyment, and the problem is, you're partially correct! Anhedonia (lack of ability to experience pleasure) and amotivation (lack of motivation) are two of the most debilitating symptoms of depression because they keep you from doing the things that would make you feel better.

Behavioral Activation for Depression and Loss of Motivation

A critical component of cognitive behavioral therapy is the behavior portion. When you're depressed, you lose motivation because everything requires too much effort. It's as if nothing was ever fun - it all feels so foreign and distant. The idea that you might enjoy something again seems impossible because that's what depression does, it makes you feel hopeless about ever experiencing pleasure or joy again.

This is where behavioral activation comes into play! Why and how does behavioral activation work? First, the "Why?" Let me preface by saying there's nothing simple about depression; it's a complex and debilitating disease. But, research shows that doing the things you would do if you weren't depressed helps alleviate depression by creating positive reinforcement feedback loops. Conversely, a negative feedback loop occurs when you do nothing, or worse, do things that temporarily make you feel better but hurt in the long run. Also, "doing" forces you to focus "outward" rather than "inward" on your pain. For more, check out "Behavioral Activation for Depression" by Martell, et al.

Doing Things You Used To Enjoy Relieves Depression

Now for the "How:" Do stuff. Do what you used to enjoy. Do what your friends or family invite you to do. Complete a work project. Attend a meetup. Go for a walk. Volunteer. Shower and get dressed every day. Trust me, you are not going to feel better the first time you push yourself to do something, so don't expect it. But you must keep pushing yourself, because, eventually, you will feel better. It's difficult to motivate yourself when you're in the throes of depression. It's hard to even think of something to do. A good therapist can help you create a plan, but there's a lot you can do on your own.

If you need inspiration, subscribe to www.dailyshoring.com, which sends a prompt for one positive activity each day - nothing overwhelming, but something concrete that will help you create that positive feedback loop.

If you have activities or routines that help you when depression strikes, please share!

This blog was written by:

Deann Ware, Ph.D., is the author of www.dailyshoring.com, a blog for emotional well-being. She's a psychologist in private practice in Dallas, TX, and has over 15 years of experience helping people with depression, anxiety, OCD, panic, ADHD, and other emotional challenges

To be a guest author on the Your Mental Health Blog, go here.

See Also:

What's Destroying Your Mental Health Recovery?