DEPRESSION COUNSELLING & THERAPY IN SINGAPORE
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What is Depression?
Depression affects about 350 million people worldwide. According to an Institute of Mental Health (IMH) research conducted during the pandemic, 8.7% of the surveyed Singapore population met the criteria for clinical depression, while a nationwide survey indicated that one in every three Singaporean youth had internalised mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
Sadness and depression are related emotional states, but they differ in duration, intensity, and impact on daily functioning. When individuals feel sad, it could be a normal emotional response to events such as disappointments, loss, or setbacks and the feeling of sadness is temporary. Although sadness may affect mood and energy levels temporarily, it does not usually disrupt daily functioning or persist for extended periods without improvement.
On the other hand, depression is characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that endure for weeks, months, or even years if untreated. The intensity of feelings associated with depression are typically more intense and severe than regular sadness. More importantly, depression significantly impairs daily functioning and can affect various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and physical health. It often involves symptoms such as loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and sometimes suicidal ideations. Hence, as depression is a more persistent and severe condition that can deeply impact a person's life, it is recommended that individuals suffering from depression seek professional depression counselling and therapy.
Depression can strike at any time–yet, it doesn't have a clear cause. It can run in families, arise after a stressful event like a death or divorce, or can occur for no apparent reason.
If you think you or someone you know is depressed, here are some signs to look out for:
• Feeling sad or hopeless almost every day
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Having trouble sleeping or staying awake
• Being irritable or angry most of the time
• Not eating or overeating
• Crying easily
• Thoughts of harming oneself or suicide
If you or someone you know exhibits these signs, you might want to consider professional depression therapy or counselling in Singapore.
Causes of Depression
While anyone can suffer from depression at any time, it tends to occur when an individual is going through a shift in life seasons. These changes could be unpleasant, such as the loss of a loved one or a job; positive, such as starting university or making a significant move, or physical, such as hormonal changes or the onset of an illness.
Common causes of depression can be influenced by genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors and include:
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Chemical imbalance in the brain
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Changes in hormone levels
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Family history of depression
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Childhood trauma
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Traumatic events
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Certain medical conditions
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Substance abuse
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Major negative life events
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Pain
What to do when you are Experiencing Depressive Symptoms?
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Engage in activities you enjoy. Even though depression may make it difficult to find pleasure in activities, try to engage in hobbies or activities that you used to enjoy. This can help lift your mood and provide a sense of accomplishment.
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Exercise regularly. Beyond physical health, exercising improves your mental health as well! Try taking walks outside or doing some stretching exercises at home. Physical activity has been shown to help alleviate symptoms of depression.
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Consume healthy foods. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies every day and cut back on unhealthy meals such as fast food and processed food. Eating right will help keep your mind clear.
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Reach out for support. Talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or therapist. Sharing your feelings can provide emotional support and perspective.
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Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and improve your mood.
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Limit alcohol and avoid drugs. Although alcohol and drugs may improve your mood in the short-term, substance abuse can trigger or intensify the feelings of loneliness, sadness and hopelessness, often associated with depression. If you find yourself coping with depression through substance abuse, seek professional help so that you can learn more adaptive ways of coping.
If you’ve tried the steps above and find that your symptoms are not getting better, consider scheduling an appointment for depression counselling or therapy at Redwood Psychology Singapore.
Interventions for Depression in Singapore
Help is available for those suffering from depression and can come in the form of medication and depression counselling or therapy in Singapore. Medications are prescribed by medical professionals such as a psychiatrist. Talking with a psychologist or counsellor and learning how to manage depressive symptoms are also parts of psychotherapy for depression in Singapore. Both medication and depression therapy/counselling work in tandem to bring out the best benefits for the individual in Singapore by reducing the severity and frequency of depressive episodes.
When should I get Depression Counselling or Therapy in Singapore?
If you notice that your depressive symptoms seem to last more than 2 weeks, or if you are entertaining thoughts of self-harm and suicide– it may be time to seek professional help from a mental health professional. Discussing your symptoms with a mental health professional (e.g., psychiatrist, psychologist, counsellor) can help you get the right treatment and support that you need.
Seeking depression counselling or therapy in Singapore is also a good way to help your depression. During your depression counselling/therapy session, you can work with your counsellor at Redwood Psychology Singapore to identify your triggers and how to manage them, as well as bring to light any circumstances that may have contributed to your condition, such as a family history of mental illness, trauma, and unhelpful styles of thinking etc.
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