Dr Paul Davies Therapy

14/06/2023

14/06/2023

Low mood, also known as depression, is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Research indicates that varied factors can cause depression, including responses to stressful life experiences, genetic influences, and emotional conflicts with those around us (amongst many other factors). Depression is often characterised by a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and loss of interest in activities that were previously pleasurable.

From a psychological perspective, low mood is closely tied to unhelpful thinking patterns, which affect how we view ourselves, others, the world around us, and our future. Unhelpful thinking patterns can take various forms, such as self-blame, self-criticism, negative expectations, and pessimism. These patterns develop over time, influenced by past experiences and early life events that shape a person’s worldview and attitudes.

There are several psychological approaches to treating low mood, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.

CBT is a brief, structured therapy aimed at identifying and moderating unhelpful thinking patterns. It involves helping people to recognize unhelpful thoughts, question their accuracy, and replace them with more positive, realistic thoughts- whilst also being encouraged to do things differently (e.g. stop avoiding some things that may be beneficial for our wellbeing). DBT incorporates elements of CBT and mindfulness to help people regulate their emotions, cope with stress, and improve interpersonal relationships. MBCT is a form of CBT that involves mindfulness practices to help people focus on the present moment and detach from unhelpful thoughts and emotions.

Overall, low mood is a complex condition that affects many people of all ages and backgrounds. From a psychological perspective, unhelpful thinking patterns are a key contributor to depression, influencing a person’s perceptions, feelings, behaviours, and overall wellbeing. Fortunately, there are several approaches to treating low mood, providing effective means for reducing the impact of depression upon our lives and improving our overall wellbeing. Contact me above to discuss how I may be able to help.

05/06/2023

Stress is a natural and inevitable part of life. It is a psychological and physiological response to the perception of threat or danger. The body’s stress response is known as the ‘fight or flight’ response, which is a survival mechanism that helps us respond to threats by either fighting or fleeing. However, prolonged exposure to stress can lead to significant negative effects on our well-being, including physical and psychological health problems.

Resilience, on the other hand, refers to the ability to adapt and overcome adversity in the face of stressors. It is the capacity to bounce back from challenging or difficult situations. Resilience is crucial in maintaining mental and emotional well-being and is especially important during times of stress and crisis.

Psychological research has focused extensively on stress and resilience, exploring ways to manage and cope with stress and develop resilience. One of the most effective approaches is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which has been found to be particularly helpful in developing resiliency.

CBT is based on the theory that our thoughts, emotions and behaviours are interrelated, and that modifying our thought patterns can lead to improved emotional and behavioural outcomes. In other words, the way we interpret and respond to stressful situations can significantly impact how we cope with stress and resilience.

CBT techniques often involve individuals identifying negative or unhelpful thought patterns and replacing them with positive, more constructive ones. For example, someone who tends to ruminate on negative thoughts may learn to challenge their negative self-talk and replace it with more rational and positive thoughts.

Research has also shown that mindfulness meditation can significantly reduce stress and improve resilience. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment, without judgment or distraction, and can help individuals develop a greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations.

Overall, resilience is an important concept for individuals to understand and develop in order to effectively cope with the inevitable stressors of life. By utilizing effective coping strategies such as CBT and practicing mindfulness, individuals can improve their resilience and lead more fulfilling and well-balanced lives.