1: Doing more of what matters to you

This first episode on CBT looks at some of the ways in which low mood and depression can manifest in students, and introduces a central cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) strategy known as "behavioural activation". Depression is among the most common mental health problems faced by students. In this series of podcasts, we look at what depression is and how it can impact student life, and offer some ideas and techniques to help you through it. Drawing on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach for the treatment of depression, they provide a framework for thinking about ways in which depression and low mood can keep you stuck, and some practical tools you can try out either on your own or with the help of a counsellor. Importantly, these podcasts are not intended to be used as a replacement for counselling or therapy for those who may need it. Rather, the hope is that will give you some ideas which might be part of a process of understanding more about yourself and, ultimately, feeling better.