Mental Health Support for Depression

In recent years, mental health awareness has gained significant momentum, shedding light on conditions like depression, which has surged to unprecedented levels. Dealing with depression can cast a shadow over every aspect of life, making even routine tasks feel challenging.

Thankfully, depression is a treatable condition. Studies indicate that seeking treatment yields positive results for 80% to 90% of individuals. Combining talk therapy with medication has proven to be an effective approach. Professional intervention is crucial when you notice signs of depression.

This guide aims to equip you with insights into coping mechanisms, root causes, symptoms, and how to seek depression treatment in Singapore.

What is Depression?

Depression manifests as persistent feelings of sadness and diminished interest in once-enjoyable activities—a mood disorder that can disrupt eating, sleeping cognitive functions, and overall life enjoyment.

While it's natural to feel sorrow or anguish during challenging life events like job loss or divorce, depression extends beyond transient sadness. It encompasses a broader array of symptoms and endures for at least two weeks, significantly impacting daily life.

Symptoms of Depression

Never-ending state of sadness, anxiety, or "emptiness".
Feelings of pessimism or hopelessness.
Irritability.
Guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
loss of enjoyment or interest in hobbies and activities.
Reduced energy or fatigue.
Speaking or moving more slowly.
Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still.
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping.
Appetite and weight changes.
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.
Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause that do not ease even with treatment.

Types of Depression

Psychotic Depression

Psychosis symptoms like delusional thinking and hallucinations can also occur in some individuals with severe depression. Depression accompanied by psychosis is called psychotic depression.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent depression, also known as dysthymia, is a chronic form that affects relationships and daily tasks over the years. People with dysthymia have difficulty finding happiness and often portray a negative attitude. The intensity of mood is what separates it from clinical depression; moods in persistent depression are less severe but continue to impact a person's well-being over an extended time negatively.

Postpartum Depression

Depression that develops during pregnancy is called postpartum depression. This is a depression that appears four weeks after giving birth.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by a feeling of hopelessness and sadness accompanied by a loss of interest, in activities that once brought joy. Often referred to as depression MDD involves enduring episodes that typically last for two weeks leaving individuals in a constant state of despair.

Essential Risk Factors of Depression

Many essential factors can cause depression. Below, we have curated the significant ones:

Trauma: At some point in their lives, children who experienced abuse, trauma, or witnessed traumatic events are more likely to experience depression.
Stress Caused by a Disease: When you have a serious illness or health condition, you may worry a lot about things like your future and how you will be treated which will cause depression.
Build-up of Stress: Excessive anxiety can be brought on by a major event or an accumulation of smaller stressful life situations. A death in the family, stress at work, or ongoing financial concerns are a few examples.
Genetic factors: Those with a family history of anxiety are more likely to experience depression.
Alcohol or Drugs: Depression can be worsened or caused by drug or alcohol abuse, misuse, or withdrawal.
Personality: Specific personality traits, such as low self-esteem, pessimism, or an overthinking tendency may increase depression risk.
Imbalance in Brain Chemistry: Neurotransmitter imbalances, such as those caused by serotonin and dopamine, can affect mood regulation, and hasten the onset of depression.

What Strategies Do We Use for Depression?

Psychiatric Advice: Seek advice from a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist or therapist, for an accurate diagnosis and personalised therapy plan.
Medication: Antidepressant medicines may occasionally be prescribed to help control neurotransmitter levels.
Therapy: Psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and other therapies can give people coping abilities and methods to deal with negative thought patterns.
Changes in Lifestyle: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and enough sleep all support overall health and have a positive effect on mood.
Social support: Creating a solid network of friends and family members can help sustain one's emotions in difficult times.

Where to Seek Help for Depression?

TheTherapy.co provides professional and compassionate support for depression. Our therapists offer personalised treatment to help you overcome the challenges caused by depression. If you want effective mental health support, you can connect with our team which helps you empower on your wellbeing journey.