Abstract: | Depression as a major social and public health problem is a challenge for clinicians and occupational therapists throughout the world. This theoretical paper is based on a literature review and the author's experience as an occupational therapist in mental health in Finland, working with severely long-term depressed patients. The basic concepts of a cognitive–behavioural model are introduced and evaluated. The relationship of depression, mourning and suicide is discussed and a model for occupational therapy intervention acting. |