3 – Behavioral activation

Behavioral activation is an activity based on principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy, where you can help the person you care for to develop a very specific plan to engage in activities. They should be simple, such as doing the dishes, going for a walk, or calling a friend.

The aim is to increase the contact with sources of reward by helping the loved ones get more active and, in so doing, improve their thoughts, feelings and life context.

Developing a healthy, daily routine can help stabilize moods and establish order and calm.

Consistent routines are regular eating times, holistic activities (activities that can help strengthen the mind, the body and the spirit, for example: mindfulness, meditation, walking, having pats, knitting/crocheting etc.), physical fitness, therapy sessions, sleep times, reminders for medicine intake

Behavioral Activation

You can begin to decrease depression by engaging in activities you find enjoyable, and by taking care of responsibilities that you have been neglecting.

List three activities you enjoy:

1.

2.

3.

List 3 responsibilities you need to take care of:

1.

2.

3.

Try doing at least one activity or responsibility each day and use the following scale to rate your depression, your pleasant feelings and the sense of achievement before and after the activity.