- becoming more aware of your negative thoughts
- recognising that your appraisal of situations may be biased or distorted due to depression
- learning how to challenge your own negative thoughts and beliefs so that they become more balanced.
- Do not automatically believe your negative thoughts no matter how strong they feel at the time. By considering other explanations, your 'worst possible' conclusion will be seen as only one of a number of possible explanations for your situation. This allows you to consider each explanation and see which is most likely to be true, or to try to collect 'evidence' which will help you test the different explanations.
Medication
Modern antidepressant medication is thought not to be chemically addictive. Usually it takes two to three weeks before having any beneficial effect and it is typically prescribed for at least six months. If there are difficult circumstances contributing to your depression, medication won't cure them - but it may help you to rediscover your natural abilities and coping strategies to address these issues. If you feel medication may be an appropriate way forward, you will need to speak to your doctor. Be as open as you can about how you feel and your circumstances, so that you can decide together on the best course of action. Do not be afraid to ask questions about any medication suggested and what to expect while you are taking it. Your doctor is likely to arrange to see you regularly if you are prescribed an anti-depressant. Be sure to go back yourself if you feel the medication makes you feel worse or if it seems to be having no effect. Also, it is important that you only change or stop taking the medication after talking to your doctor, as stopping suddenly can sometimes cause people difficulties.(published with permission in writing from:http://www.counselling.cam.ac.uk)


