Depression and Depression Therapy
Depression is a familiar “friend” to many. So many of us are familiar with the sinking feeling of hopelessness that abounds as we descend into its deep dark crevices. In the extreme, sleeping becomes difficult, waking is difficult, and functioning becomes almost impossible. Whether in ourselves or in others, depression can feel scary, and the path ahead fraught with anxiety.
At my clinic, I have seen many individuals struggle with their darkest thoughts, and most painful feelings. But while depression is a serious condition, it is also highly treatable. Evidence-based treatment can restore balance, energy, and a will to live. Contact me for personalized recovery plans to support you, or your loved one through this difficult time.
What Is Depression?
dDepression is more than just sadness. It’s a physiological state that affects a person’s perception, feelings, and functioning. A depressed person often report overwhelming heaviness, fatigue and poor motivation that makes daily tasks difficult; almost everything seems impossible to handle.
If left untreated, depression can disrupt work life and relationships as it gets harder and harder to meet expectations. But in my practice, I also often see people who seem to be functioning at a high level, but privately report a deep despair. Everything looks fine on the outside, but the emotional pain takes over on the inside and it becomes harder and harder to hide.
How Do We Treat Depression?
Treating depression often means teaching clients to understand their emotions deeply, and teaching them to work with these emotions rather than against them. While most of us get depressed sometimes, counselling or psychological therapy is often the key to treating persistent, long-standing depression, or when self-harm or suicide becomes a possibility.,
WHAT ARE THE COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION?
Emotional Symptoms
- Feelings of flatness
- Physical feelings of being “empty” or “heavy”
- Loss of interest or pleasure in previously loved activities
- Feelings of hopelessness or guilt
Physical Symptoms
- Low energy and tiredness
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep problems
Behavioural / Social Symptoms
- Withdrawal from friends or activities
- Declining attention to responsibilities
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Depression often co-occurs with anxiety and it is not uncommon for people to experience them together
What Are The Causes & Risk Factors For Depression?
Psychological Factors - Emotion Regulation.
While we often become vulnerable to depression because of stressful life events, grief and loss or unresolved trauma, it can also occur seemingly out of nowhere. Very often, clients with depression also have a long history of ignoring their emotions. Pushing through difficult feelings, or ignoring them altogether is common practice amongst people with depression, and therapy is important to help build attunement and understanding of our own internal states.
Biological Factors
Contributing factors include brain chemistry, genetics, hormonal changes, and physical health conditions. Biological factors are probably most prominent in pregnancy, menapause, and in the post-partum period. OIder individuals with dementia are also prone to depression .
Lifestyle & Environmental Triggers
These include working in a chronically stressfull state (such as in working at a hospital, single parenting, or caregiving to the sick or elderly), prolonged lack of sleep (as seen in shift workers), poor routine, and social isolation.
What Are The Various Types Of Depression?
How Do I Help Someone With Depression?
Supporting someone with depression test Singapore starts with recognising that what they are experiencing is an illness, not a personal failure, and that patient, non‑judgemental presence can be as powerful as any specific technique.
As a clinical psychologist with 15 years of experience, the most helpful responses repeatedly seen in families and relationships are: listening more than fixing, validating the person’s feelings, gently encouraging professional help, and helping them maintain small, doable routines like regular sleep, movement, and nourishment rather than pushing for big changes all at once.
Research consistently shows that strong, empathic social support protects against the onset and worsening of depression, so checking in regularly, offering practical help (like accompanying them to appointments), and respecting their limits while also watching for warning signs such as talk of hopelessness or suicide can make a real difference to their recovery.
At dramrit.org, therapy often includes structured psychoeducation for loved ones, coaching in communication skills, and space to process the emotional impact of caring for someone with depression, so supporters feel less helpless and more confident in their role alongside professional treatment.
How Do I Know If I Am Depressed?
For self‑assessment, widely used tools such as the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS‑21) allow adults to reflect on their own symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Fill in the assessment below, and score it according to the instructions in the scoring guide. Reach out if your scores are significant.
Need Help For Yourself or Someone You Care About?
Reach out to understand how we can help.