1. < Depression & Anxiety
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Anyone Tried Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Posted by suzbyrne @suzbyrne, Sep 26, 2021

I’m thinking about going back to therapy. Does anyone have experience with CBT? Any information would be most appreciated. 😊

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elwooodsdad | @elwooodsdad | Oct 3, 2021

I have been diagnosed with dysthymia, which sounds a bit like what you describe. I have had counseling and medication, and I am resigned to deal with it, because it is manageable for me. Do whatever is right for you, whether it is CBT, journaling, etc. Stay strong.

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Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Oct 4, 2021
In reply to @elwooodsdad "I have been diagnosed with dysthymia, which sounds a bit like what you describe. I have..." + (show)
Profile picture for elwooodsdad @elwooodsdad

I have been diagnosed with dysthymia, which sounds a bit like what you describe. I have had counseling and medication, and I am resigned to deal with it, because it is manageable for me. Do whatever is right for you, whether it is CBT, journaling, etc. Stay strong.

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@elwoodsdad Here is a link to the journaling discussion we have here on Mayo Clinic Connect https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/journaling-the-write-stuff-for-you/

Staying strong is within all of us, and remember, what works for a while may need to be "tweaked" every so often!
Ginger

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johneckenrode11 | @johneckenrode11 | Oct 5, 2021
In reply to @gingerw "@suzbyrne Here is a link to what Mayo Clinic offers as information about CBT, which may..." + (show)
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@suzbyrne Here is a link to what Mayo Clinic offers as information about CBT, which may help you understand what it is about: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610

In a thread here on Mayo Clinic Connect, posted by our moderator @colleenyoung this past July, she gave a link to a website you might find interesting https://positivepsychology.com/cbt-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-techniques-worksheets/

Looking back at therapy I have had, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy seems to be part of the work I did with professionals, while also doing it on my own. For me, distinguishing exact names of type of help is confusing. "Whatever works" is more my motto, as labels are something I don't do well. Anytime we make the choice to start working on ourselves, be prepared for the unexpected, for things to present themselves you never thought about, or had hidden away in a corner of your mind for a long long time. Be prepared for it to take awhile, not overnight. Keep a journal to write things out, decompress, and clear out of your mind. And don't forget, be proud of yourself for making a choice to work on yourself, and feel better, whatever that is for you!
Ginger

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Ginger, I just got around to reading the two links you provided. Thanks, they're excellent and have made me more motivated to try CBT!

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Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Oct 5, 2021
In reply to @johneckenrode11 "Ginger, I just got around to reading the two links you provided. Thanks, they're excellent and..." + (show)
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Ginger, I just got around to reading the two links you provided. Thanks, they're excellent and have made me more motivated to try CBT!

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@johneckenrode11 Great! I am looking forward to hearing about your experience with CBT. We all generally have access to several types of therapy/help, it is clicking with the "just right" one that can be so difficult!
Ginger

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authorchris | @authorchris | Oct 6, 2021

I have found CBT to be only as good as the provider. There are wonderful ones out there. The challenge is to find one that resonates with you. I think you can tell in the first session. You can feel if that person is really interested in you and your issues. If not, move on to the next one. It's easier than you think it is.

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marsha2 | @marsha2 | Oct 11, 2021

My therapist was a CBT therapist. She was my 2nd therapist and most effective.

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rira7 | @rira7 | Sep 10, 2025

11 sept 2025
I am a student may be suffering from depression. I lack motivation. Sleep in the morning. Can't sit down for studying
Failing for 3 years.Finally asking for help

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Armando | @bolso1 | Sep 10, 2025
In reply to @rira7 "11 sept 2025 I am a student may be suffering from depression. I lack motivation. Sleep..." + (show)
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11 sept 2025
I am a student may be suffering from depression. I lack motivation. Sleep in the morning. Can't sit down for studying
Failing for 3 years.Finally asking for help

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You’ve made an excellent choice. CBT will help you realize that giving in to depression is the wrong answer, and that you have much better options.
CBT will put you in control.
It’s not magic, though.
It requires persistence.
But it’s worth!
Go for it!

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rira7 | @rira7 | Sep 10, 2025
In reply to @bolso1 "You’ve made an excellent choice. CBT will help you realize that giving in to depression is..." + (show)
Profile picture for Armando @bolso1

You’ve made an excellent choice. CBT will help you realize that giving in to depression is the wrong answer, and that you have much better options.
CBT will put you in control.
It’s not magic, though.
It requires persistence.
But it’s worth!
Go for it!

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Thanks

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mitfit | @mitfit | Sep 10, 2025
In reply to @rira7 "11 sept 2025 I am a student may be suffering from depression. I lack motivation. Sleep..." + (show)
Profile picture for rira7 @rira7

11 sept 2025
I am a student may be suffering from depression. I lack motivation. Sleep in the morning. Can't sit down for studying
Failing for 3 years.Finally asking for help

Jump to this post

CBT really helped me with depression and continues to help me. Stick with it and you will see results, Here is what I do when depression or anxiety hits. Acknowledge it don’t try to push it away. Be gentle with it and allow it to sit beside you. Know that it cannot hurt you. Dispel any fear. See it for what it is, it is not you. Work to come to a feeling of peace.

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