Depression - Group Therapy

Part of the battle in one's war with depression is realizing that there are others going through the same experience. Many people who are depressed have feelings of shame about their hopelessness, which only increases depression. Group therapy is useful in encouraging those suffering from depression to share their feelings with others, and learn from others new ways of coping with depression.

There are many forms of group therapy for depression. Some are gender or issue specific. Others are geared toward other issues such as chemical dependency or child abuse. Many people choose to go to several groups i.e. one for depression and one for another issue or to combine group therapy session. The decision is up to the person who is going, and it is worth experimenting until one finds the right group.

Group therapy goes beyond the benefits of individual therapy in that it fosters bonding between those suffering from depression. This may allow someone who is overly cautious in individual therapy to share more and to make more progress in treatment. A patient might not be able to open up to a therapist, but may be more ready to speak in the presence of others who have had the same experience. Many people who suffer from depression pursue group therapy in conjunction, or instead of, individual therapy.

Group therapy as a follow-up after inpatient treatment for depression is essential for the patient's feeling of normalcy and his or her ability to readjust to the world. Of course, group therapy is available for mild and moderate forms of depression as well.