Depression Worksheet: 10 Questions to Identify Root Causes

Download this free therapy worksheet to help get to the bottom of your client’s depression

Navigating the complex terrain of depression with clients can often feel like wandering in a new land without a map. No two journeys through depression will be identical and facing the incessant negativity of the depressive mindset can feel like encountering a hapless tour guide who’s not sure how he got lost and has no idea how to get out again.Now, understanding the origins of someone’s depression is just a starting point in treatment, but it can certainly be a useful starting point. This depression worksheet serves as a compass, guiding therapists through the intricate process of uncovering the potential origins of a client’s depressive state.The worksheet includes insightful questions for deep exploration, such as:

• Critical life events: It initiates the journey with prompting questions such as, “What was going on in your life when this depression began?” This encourages clients to reflect on significant life changes or stressors, setting the stage for insightful dialogue.
• Lifestyle and daily habits: Delving into the everyday, the worksheet examines the client’s sleep, diet, and physical activity, offering a holistic view of how these factors are influencing mood and energy levels.
• Past and future perspectives: Facilitate a thoughtful examination of how past experiences and future anxieties contribute to the current emotional landscape.

These questions and more enable you to tailor your approach to each individual’s unique experience of depression by:

• Fostering meaningful conversation: The worksheet’s empathetic tone promotes a safe space for open dialogue, making it feel more like a shared journey of discovery than a clinical assessment.
• Recognizing the depth of depression: Acknowledging the layered nature of depression, it equips you and your client with a structured approach to identify underlying causes, beyond surface-level symptoms.
• Empowering client-therapist collaboration: Encourage clients to actively participate in uncovering the roots of their depression and shaping the path forward.

Designed for therapeutic settings, this worksheet is a resource for sparking meaningful conversations, deepening understanding, and fostering a collaborative relationship between therapist and client. It not only helps you identify what might be wrong; it will help create a roadmap for healing, one question at a time. An editable version of this worksheet is free to members of Uncommon Practitioners’ TV.