CBT for Depression
Depression can affect far more than your mood. You may feel exhausted, lose interest in things you normally enjoy, struggle with motivation or find yourself caught in negative thoughts about yourself, your relationships or the future.
CBT can help you understand the patterns that can keep depression going and gradually make practical changes to the way you think, feel and behave.
At GrowCBT, we provide online CBT with BABCP-accredited therapists for adults across the UK.
Could CBT help with depression?
Depression can look different from person to person. You might notice:
😔 Low mood
Feeling sad, empty, flat or emotionally drained for much of the time.
🔋 Low energy
Feeling exhausted even after resting, or finding everyday tasks difficult to get started.
🚪 Losing interest
Things you used to enjoy may no longer feel rewarding or worth the effort.
🧠 Negative thoughts
You may find yourself thinking negatively about yourself, your abilities, your relationships or your future.
🛋️ Withdrawing
Spending more time alone, avoiding social situations or finding it difficult to stay connected with other people.
🌙 Changes in sleep
Sleeping much more or less than usual, struggling to get to sleep or waking during the night.
You don't necessarily need to know exactly what is causing you to feel this way before seeking support. If low mood or other symptoms are affecting your everyday life, relationships, work or wellbeing, CBT may be something worth exploring.
How can CBT help with depression?
Depression can sometimes create a cycle where low mood affects what you do, and what you do then affects your mood.
When you're feeling low, everyday activities can feel harder. You might withdraw from people, stop doing things you enjoy or put off tasks because they feel overwhelming.
This can provide short-term relief, but over time it can mean fewer opportunities for positive experiences, achievement and connection.
CBT helps you identify these patterns and explore practical ways to gradually change them.
A common depression cycle
LOW MOOD → WITHDRAWING → LESS ACTIVITY → FEWER POSITIVE EXPERIENCES → LOWER MOOD
CBT can help you understand where you might be able to interrupt this cycle and begin making manageable changes.
What happens in CBT for depression?
CBT is collaborative and practical. Your therapist will work with you to understand what you're experiencing and identify patterns that may be contributing to how you're feeling.
🔍 Understand what's happening
You and your therapist explore your current difficulties, what may be maintaining them and what you would like to change.
🧠 Explore thoughts
You may begin to notice patterns in the way you think about yourself, other people and the future.
🚶 Make manageable changes
CBT can involve gradually increasing activities that support your wellbeing, even when motivation is low.
Online CBT with GrowCBT
At GrowCBT, our BABCP-accredited therapists provide CBT online via secure video appointments.
Online therapy means you can access support from wherever you are in the UK, without needing to travel to a clinic.
Our therapists have extensive experience supporting adults with a range of mental health difficulties, including depression, anxiety, stress and trauma.
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