Life is too short to be depressed about it!
Alterapia can help.
"I thought I had my life in order! Always worked hard and now ready for a life of sun and happiness in Portugal. The first couple of months were fine. We were busy organising our house and our life here. But then I started to sleep badly, difficulty in falling asleep, waking early and not feeling rested. I became grumpy and found that the things I normally enjoyed were no longer fun, started to drink a bit more (to help me sleep and relax) but that made things worse. I visited a doctor, got some pills and they helped a bit for a while but then I was back to square one and by that time felt really miserable most of the time. By chance I read something about cognitive behaviour therapy and attended a number of sessions with Lynne van Bilsen, one of the senior therapists of Alterapia. It was a life-changing experience and now we can enjoy, really enjoy our time in Portugal."
This is a typical story of a person who can benefit from cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and mindfulness training. A little-known fact is that depression is the most common mental health problem! An even lesser-known fact is that depression is worldwide one of the most costly health problems. It is costly in human suffering, costly in human lives and costly in health resources. Depression is just one of the many mental health problems that can be overcome effectively by CBT.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of psychological therapy that teaches people to start to think about their thinking. Many emotional problems like depression and anxiety, but also other problems like drinking too much, anger, jealousy etc., are caused by our thinking. CBT teaches people more helpful and rational thinking styles and the end result is increased contentment and happiness.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a means of observing and accepting what is occurring at the time, instead of demanding how things should be. Accepting what happens in our mind just as it is right now, with all the positives and negatives, often leads to increased confidence, calmer moods, and enhanced coping skills. You will be refreshed and gain a broader and clearer view of life. You will develop a deeper and stronger belief in your abilities, resulting in the ability to respond more helpfully and effectively to what is happening around you.
Mindfulness and CBT are both very effective in alleviating emotional and behavioural problems; they both have a strong research foundation.
Alterapia can offer consultations from its base in Espartal (near Aljezur) or from consulting rooms in Lagos, home visits are also possible. For appointments please contact us on UK(+44)1992 552022 or info@alterapia.com.pt