In therapy sessions, wellbeing appointments or at home, this blank vicious cycle of depression worksheet can help someone map what happens when low mood starts to affect their thoughts, feelings, body and behaviour. It is a simple CBT-style printable for exploring the depression cycle and spotting places where change might be possible.
This blank vicious cycle of depression CBT worksheet PDF provides a clear structure for recording a real example of low mood and exploring how different parts of the experience may link together. The template includes labelled spaces for “Situation”, “What I am thinking”, “What I am feeling”, “How my body reacts” and “What I am doing”, arranged around a simple circular diagram.
It is designed for use in counselling, CBT-informed support, wellbeing appointments, mentoring or home learning where someone wants to notice patterns without needing a lengthy form. Practitioners can use it as a session handout, discussion prompt or formulation worksheet, while individuals can print it to reflect on recent situations and prepare for a conversation with a support worker or therapist. It may also support lesson planning or staff preparation when discussing CBT models in a sensitive, accessible way.
The worksheet can be used alongside other low mood resources, thought-feeling-behaviour activities, self-help worksheets or recovery planning materials. Because the boxes are blank, it can be adapted for different examples, such as withdrawing from activities, negative self-talk, tiredness or avoiding everyday tasks. Download, print and use the worksheet as a practical starting point for understanding the depression cycle. This resource was created by MindWell Leeds.
