Introduction
In the present situation, a friend exhibits symptoms of depression, including a negative self-perception, trouble sleeping and paying attention in class, a lack of interest in daily activities like exercise and socializing, and a general feeling of unwellness. She also displays a deep pessimism about the future, adamantly stating that she is unlovable and has no potential. It is important to note that this buddy seems to be struggling with family issues and may have experienced trauma or emotional abuse.
It is essential to evaluate this friend’s mental health state from several theoretical vantage points to comprehend it more thoroughly. This method enables me to understand the various reasons for her depression thoroughly. Additionally, it contributes to developing measures she can employ to alleviate her suffering. This essay will mainly apply and discuss the biological, cognitive, and psychodynamic paradigms, three of psychology’s most well-known theoretical frameworks. Each viewpoint gives a different understanding of the friend’s predicament and will influence how to aid her.
Biological Perspective
The biological view of psychology emphasizes the physiological components of mental health, such as heredity, neurochemical imbalances, and brain architecture. According to this viewpoint, alterations or abnormalities in these characteristics can significantly affect a person’s mood, behavior, and general mental health. In light of this viewpoint, it is conceivable that my friend’s depression symptoms may be brought on by a neurochemical imbalance or a physical condition in her brain. For instance, low neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine are frequently linked to depression (Kolhe et al., 2021).
The fact that she has trouble sleeping and generally feels ill may indicate that her mental health issue has a medical component. The initial step in biologically-based alleviation measures would be to visit a doctor. To correct neurochemical imbalances, a psychiatrist might assess her symptoms and perhaps recommend antidepressant medication. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, getting sufficient sleep, and engaging in regular exercise can support improved mental and cognitive health. It is essential to remember that all medications should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
Cognitive Perspective
In psychology, the cognitive perspective emphasizes how mental functions, such as thinking, perception, and memory, influence behavior. This viewpoint holds that cognitive distortions and maladaptive thinking processes are the primary causes of mental health problems. From a cognitive standpoint, my friend’s constantly poor self-perception and gloomy view of the future might be seen as instances of cognitive biases. Both “all-or-nothing” thinking and “catastrophizing,” which are frequent mental errors in depression, may be seen in her propensity to regard herself as a “lousy” person and her conviction that she has no future.
Interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be helpful to lessen her distress. CBT is designed to help individuals recognize and change unhelpful thinking patterns (Erten Uyumaz et al., 2021). She can benefit from mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, by becoming more aware of her thoughts without passing judgment on them. Her poor self-perception might be reframed into a more positive and realistic picture of herself with the help of optimistic affirmation techniques. These strategies should be used under the guidance of a mental health professional.
Psychodynamic Perspective
Interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may help her feel better. Individuals can use CBT to recognize and alter unhelpful thinking habits. Mindfulness exercises, such as meditation, can also be helpful by enhancing her awareness of her thoughts without passing judgment on them. She could transform her negative self-perception into a more optimistic and realistic perspective of herself with the help of positive affirmation techniques. It is advised that these tactics be used under the direction of a mental health specialist. Unconscious tensions resulting from these encounters may harm her view of life and her sense of self.
Psychodynamic treatment, a type of therapy that aims to reveal and resolve unconscious conflicts, may be one method of relief from a psychodynamic viewpoint (Perrotta, 2020). This would include thoroughly examining her prior experiences, which can reveal trends in her thinking and behavior. Building strong coping skills to deal with upsetting emotions connected to her history would be another essential element of this strategy. As usual, it is advised that these interventions be carried out with expert supervision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, every theoretical angle offers a different lens to view my friend’s depression symptoms. According to the biological viewpoint, a neurochemical imbalance or physical brain disorder may necessitate medical attention and lifestyle changes. The cognitive viewpoint highlights her negative thinking patterns, which also recommends cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and positive affirmations as viable therapies.
Last but not least, the psychodynamic view emphasizes the potential impact of unresolved past trauma and conflicts, highlighting the value of psychodynamic treatment and the growth of healthy coping systems. Such a multifaceted approach is necessary due to the complexity of mental health because no single viewpoint can adequately account for all facets of a person’s mental well-being. My friend must obtain expert assistance as well. A thorough evaluation and treatment plan from a mental health specialist can meet her individual requirements. By interacting with these resources, she can gain a deeper understanding of her illness and select the most effective strategies to support her recovery and overall health.
References
Erten Uyumaz, B., Feijs, L., & Hu, J. (2021). A review of digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I apps): are they designed for engagement? International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(6), 2929. Web.
Kolhe, J. V., Chhipa, A. S., Butani, S., Chavda, V., & Patel, S. S. (2021). PCOS and depression: Common links and potential targets. Reproductive Sciences, 1-18. Web.
Perrotta, G. (2020). Human mechanisms of psychological defense: definition, historical and psychodynamic contexts, classifications and clinical profiles. Int J Neurorehabilitation Eng, 7(1), 1000360. Web.