Setting Goals To Combat Depression Worksheet

GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC

Worksheet published on November 22nd, 2022

Setting Goals To Combat Depression Worksheet

A major challenge that comes with depression is the way it affects a person’s motivation. When a person is depressed, they may find themselves struggling to stay motivated to achieve their goals. This, in turn, can cause feelings of self-doubt and helplessness, which can fuel feelings of depression.

Depression has a way of getting people stuck in their negative thoughts, which can make the present unbearable. It causes a person to feel out of touch with their potential and hopefulness for the future. It also makes it hard to stay focused on the present. 

It is important to encourage clients to find strength within themselves when they are struggling with a depressed mood. To stay motivated to work on their recovery, clients need to remember that their depression does not define them. A great way to separate a client’s condition of depression from their sense of identity is to help them establish a list of personal goals for their future.

About This Worksheet

This is the Setting Goals to Combat Depression worksheet. This worksheet focuses on setting goals to increase hope for the future. Setting goals for the future helps a client stay motivated and boosts their hope for recovery. This improves their ability to keep up with day-to-day responsibilities and use coping skills to manage their depressed mood. Goals also help them stay focused on the present, rather than stewing in the past or fixating on their depressed thoughts and feelings.

The worksheet consists of three categories. Each category provides reflection questions to create the path for setting and achieving their goals. The three categories include:

  • Short-term goals
  • Long-term goals
  • Life goals

It is designed to have the client remember that they can and want to achieve their goals. They do not have to be consumed by their depressed mood. This helps them find strength and motivation to strive for their future. 

This worksheet is great for adults who are struggling with depression. It is best utilized in individual counseling sessions.

Instructions

Before introducing this worksheet, share with the client how setting goals can help boost motivation and combat depression. Review the worksheet introduction with the client and work with them on completing the reflection questions.

While working through the reflection questions, help the client establish goals and methods to achieve their goals. Help the client set realistic expectations for themselves and provide guidance when needed. Be sure to explain that setting and working toward goals is a process that requires patience and self-forgiveness. Provide the client with a copy of the worksheet for reference.

Download Setting Goals To Combat Depression Worksheet

Link To This Worksheet

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