Post two: post-therapy blues

Post two.

A friend has recently been struggling with depression. Been there, done that. Not good fun.

I studied psychology during my undergrad so picked up a few insights into how mental illness works and how you can start thinking about treating it. I worked at a mental health clinic for a year who specialised in depression. I'm no expert but I can provide a few insights and will always offer support as a psychologist and a friend.

My friend's issue, which I think is a big concern, is post-treatment blues. She underwent cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a practical, hands-on therapy focused on building skills for the future and not dwelling on the past. I think 5-10 sessions is average (its the NHS so expect 5). After this, you're given the skills to tackle these low moods when they arise next. Great. No problem. Right? Well...

Talking to someone without an ulterior motive is invaluable. an external view, someone without judgement. Loosing that can be hard, you can feel like you've been left out in the cold. You're not alone.

My advice (and her therapists, I must have some idea what I'm talking about) is to maintain the routine. If sessions are 5pm on a Wednesday, sit down at 5pm on a Wednesday and write down everything you would want to say to the therapist. Get it all out. then take a break, have a cup of tea, watch TV, clear your mind. Then come back to it, read it, imagine you're the therapist. What advice would you give yourself?
Then burn it (its been proven to help - burn up the negative energy)

Good luck