Depression Activity Scheduling Worksheet
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Looking for a depression activity scheduling worksheet to share with therapy clients? This article provides therapists with various activities to support clients with depressive disorders.
Find out how a behavioral activation schedule can support clients, and download a free depression activity schedule template to save to your electronic health record (EHR) and share with clients.
What is depression activity scheduling?
Depression activity scheduling is a behavioral treatment for depression that is considered an effective method of care.
Behavioral activation is an important cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skill that works on the premise that our behaviors influence our feelings.
Depression activity scheduling is an effective way for clients to monitor their mood and daily activities, which may increase social engagement and participation in rewarding activities by giving people something to look forward to.
For example, let’s say Leslie experiences seasonal affective disorder and knows they may be more inclined to socially isolate during fall and winter, but acknowledges isolating makes her feel worse. If Leslie used a behavioral activation schedule to ensure she was exercising and socializing during these months, she may experience less symptoms of depression.
In addition to helping clients with depression, activity scheduling can help people with anxiety.
Depression activity scheduling involves:
- Psychoeducation to understand the cycles of depression and the impact of behavior on mood.
- Identifying goals and values in relation to family, community, relationships, mental health, physical health and well-being, work, and personal growth.
- Translating core beliefs and values into purposeful and enjoyable activities.
- Keeping a log of activities and mood.
How can activity scheduling help clients?
Activity plans and scheduling can provide positive reinforcement and boost mood.
Behavioral activation has been well-researched as an evidence-based treatment for depression. It is particularly helpful for clients who may feel little pleasure or meaning in life, have a hard time finding the motivation to socialize, find themselves isolating, and those who struggle with feelings of anxiety or depression, but are unsure why.
Depression activity scheduling can help clients to:
- Better understand depression
- Identify activities that boost their mood, as well as those activities that make them feel more depressed
- Enhance pleasure
- Problem-solve barriers to socialization and participation in activities
- Reduce avoidance
- Improve acceptance for emotional states
- Identify and process factors affecting mood
- Strengthen distress tolerance and emotional regulation skills
- Make gradual changes that lead to a cumulative effect
Behavioral activity examples
There are numerous ways to use depression activity scheduling with clients, including:
Enhancing behavioral awareness
By using an activities of daily living worksheet that logs existing activities and records their impact on mood, clients can increase their behavioral awareness.
Creating an activities list template
Instruct clients to identify activities that enhance their mood, such as: exercising, socializing, visiting friends and family, going on a hike, relaxing activities like having a weekly massage, group activities and sports, spending time in nature, traveling, inviting friends over for dinner, spiritual activities like attending a meditation center or church, attending community events, going to game nights, or volunteering.
You might also consider suggesting personal development activities like taking a new class, finding a new hobby, or furthering their education.
Identifying values
Assess core values with your client to determine what they find meaningful, then collaborate to identify activities that meet those values. These core values should relate to their close relationships, family, physical and mental health and well-being, work, education and personal growth, and community.
Noting barriers
The great thing about using an activities list template or log is that it provides data about what worked and what didn’t work. This can help inform the treatment plan, and give insight into what adjustments to make to the activities schedule.
Strengthening support network
By scheduling social activities with friends and family, and within their community, clients can positively enhance their support network, giving them more people to reach out to when having a difficult time. And by committing to social events and activities, clients may be less likely to cancel.
What's included in the behavioral activation schedule template?
The behavioral activation schedule template includes:
- A behavioral activation log to track daily activities and mood.
- An activity record of up and down activities—activities that make the client feel good vs. those that make them feel worse.
- A list of activities to provide motivation/inspiration, and prompts to consider what is important to them.
- An activity schedule template to identify and commit to activities each week.
- A note section to reflect on the success of the activity scheduling and lessons learned.
Sources
- Riebe, G., Fan, M. Y., Unützer, J., & Vannoy, S. International journal of geriatric psychiatry. (2012). Activity scheduling as a core component of effective care management for late-life depression.
- Cuijpers, P., Van Straten, A., Warmerdam, L. Clinical Psychology Review. (2006). Behavioral activation treatments of depression: A meta-analysis.
- University of Michigan Department of Medicine. (n.d.). Behavioral Activation for Depression.
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