It is estimated that 25 percent of the world’s total population will experience mental health issues at one point in their lifetime. While there have been significant advances in the medical field regarding medications to treat such issues, some people are reluctant to that them due to fears of addiction and side effects. As a result, more people are turning to registered psychotherapists for treatment.
Below are 4 common psychological conditions where therapy can be effective.
1. Depression
Approximately 8 percent of adults will experience depression. Characterized by irritability, loss of interest in activities, weight changes, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. Depression is definitely one of the most common mental illnesses and is responsible for disruptions in employment, family life, and can lead to suicidal ideations.
Psychotherapy is effective in treating depression because a therapist can assist in identifying factors and triggers that cause the depression. The patient can then work on addressing these factors and eventually that can lead to increased wellness. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is world-renowned for effectively treating depression. This consists of identifying the emotions that trigger negative emotions and changing problematic behaviours. If it is determined that troubling relationships are the cause of the depression, interpersonal therapy can be used during sessions to improve communications with others and identify healthier ways to address problems with others.
2. Anxiety
Approximately 1 in 13 people worldwide suffer from an anxiety order. There are 6 identified forms of anxiety: general anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), agoraphobia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Common symptoms include excessive worrying, irritability, tension, insomnia, and panic attacks that entail heart palpitations, dizziness, problems breathing, and a sense of doom.
Psychotherapy can assist in addressing anxiety and the CBT approach described can assist with this mental health issue as well. For example, the therapist can assist in identifying the thoughts, feelings, and situations that lead to anxiety and can develop effective ways to address them. These can include relaxation and breathing exercises to utilize when feelings of anxiety or attacks begin to occur.
3. Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
More common in females than males, BPD is characterized by unstable relationships and emotions, self-harm, and impulsivity. BPD is devastating in itself yet is exacerbated by issues such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
Like anxiety and depression, CBT has been successful in treating BPD as well. However, another type of approach called dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) is used by many therapists the world over. DBT is a modification of CBT however it also consists of practicing mindfulness, tolerance, interpersonal skills, and emotional regulation. In doing so, DBT can reduce harmful behaviours and promote positive ones that can definitely lead to better overall well-being and improved interactions with others.
4. Bipolar disorder
Approximately 3 percent of the world’s adult population suffers from bipolar disorder. This mental health condition is characterized by mood swings composed of emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). When in a manic episode a person feels euphoric, full of energy, and excessively happy. During a low time, losses of energy, irritability, and sadness are common.
Psychotherapy is a proven technique in helping people with bipolar disorder because it teaches mood stabilization that aims to prevent mania and depressive episodes. Therapists often encourage patients to monitor their moods, keeping a journal of thoughts, feelings, and actions daily and maintaining a 0-to-10 scale in order to become more aware of changes. Another component is correcting the flawed thought patterns, focusing on distortions that lead to the problematic thoughts and behaviours and promoting positive thinking.
