CBT for depression & low mood
When energy, interest or hope feels harder to find.
What you might notice
Depression can affect mood, energy, sleep, concentration and interest in things that used to matter. Withdrawing from activities or other people is understandable when everything feels difficult, but can leave fewer opportunities for connection or a sense of achievement. Harsh self-criticism may add to the cycle.
How CBT can help
CBT can include behavioural activation: gradually rebuilding meaningful activity, routine and connection in manageable steps. We also examine patterns of thinking and rumination that keep you stuck, develop more balanced responses, and plan how to recognise and respond to setbacks.
General information, not a diagnosis. Your experience and goals guide our assessment and the plan we agree together.
Further reading and sourcesHow the cycle can keep going
This example shows one way the pattern can be maintained. Your own triggers and responses may look different.
Read the cycle step by step
- Trigger: A setback or a difficult day
- Meaning: Nothing will improve. There’s no point trying.
- Feelings and body: Low mood, heaviness and low energy.
- Response: Withdraw, postpone tasks and do less that matters.
- What keeps it going: Less connection or reward; self-criticism deepens.
The short-term response can make the pattern more likely to repeat. This is an illustration, not a diagnosis or an individual formulation.
What is one part of life you would like to feel more connected to again?
A free 5–10 minute consultation is a chance to talk about what you need and whether we could work well together.
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