Depression
Evidence-based CBT to help you understand, manage, and overcome depression.
Depression is more than feeling sad — it is a complex condition that affects your thoughts, feelings, behaviour, and physical health. It can make everything feel harder, including reaching out for help. CBT is one of the most effective treatments for depression and has helped millions of people find their way back to a fulfilling life.
Signs & symptoms
- Persistent low mood or emptiness
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Negative thoughts about yourself, the world, or the future
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in sleep — sleeping too much or too little
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- In severe cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide
How CBT can help
CBT for depression targets the vicious cycles that keep depression going. We identify the negative automatic thoughts and unhelpful behaviours (such as withdrawing and inactivity) that maintain low mood — and work together to change them. This isn't about positive thinking; it's about developing a more balanced, realistic relationship with your thoughts.
- Identify and challenge negative thinking patterns (cognitive restructuring)
- Gradually increase activities that give a sense of achievement or pleasure (behavioural activation)
- Break the cycle between low mood, low activity, and worsening thoughts
- Develop problem-solving skills for real-life challenges
- Build a relapse prevention plan so you can manage your wellbeing in the long term
When to seek help
If you have been experiencing several of the symptoms above for more than two weeks, it is worth speaking to someone. Depression is highly treatable — particularly with an early, structured approach like CBT. You do not need to wait until things feel unbearable.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please contact your GP or call the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24 hours).